Avocados are one of those power foods that we all need. How to grow avocados is really simple, but they can take as long at four years before you get your first fruits.
Planting an avocado tree
Avocado is a warm climate fruit, which means that they are very susceptible to frost and should not be planted where winter frost and snow is frequent.
Trees can be planted in late summer or late winter in a deep well drained composted hole.
Avocado trees are susceptable to “root rot” so make sure that you have dug the hole well to at least 1.4m. After planting, add a layer of mulch around the tree base, but do not ridge the soil to make a basin as this will encourage root rot.
Long term care Harvesting avocados
A small amount of fruit can be expected in the tree’s 4th year. To see whether the fruits are ready, pick one fruit and allow it to stand on a warm windowsill for 10 days. If it ripens in this time, your fruit is ready to harvest.
Once these wonderful trees have become established they need very little long term care. If the limbs become overcrowed you can prune, but it is not necessary. You will need to feed them with a liquid compost feed annually but not 6 weeks before or after the blossoms appear.
Quick Notes
When to plant: Plant tree in late summer or late winter.
How many plants: 1 – 2 trees will produce a healthy crop for the average family.
How long to harvest: 3 – 4 years depending on the age of the tree you plant.
Successive planting: Not unless your tree dies.
AVOCADO RECIPE
Guacamole is everyone’s favorite accompaniment with Mexican food Here is how to make a quick easy guacamole. Remove the flesh of two ripe avo’s. Place in a bowl with one diced tomato, 1 chopped mild chilli, a scoop of cream cheese, freshly ground salt and black pepper. Use a stick blender to blend until smooth…So once you have learnt how to grow avocados, try this and enjoy!