Raise Avocado Plants
Raising an requires patience and careful attention to detail. The avocado trees require well-drained soil, especially during the winter months because they are prone to root rot. Avocado planters often create small pitcher mounds when planting the trees to help control the water flow to prevent root rot from occurring. Avocados grow best in Mediterranean environments, and need protection from high winds since they have sensitive barks. The trees typically are planted so that they receive only morning sun when first planted to protect them from extreme heat.
Instructions
1. Purchase a healthy avocado seedling. Choose one that does not have wilted leaves, and contains healthy green foliage with no brown spots.
2. Choose a location to plant the avocado tree. Plant the avocado on the north or east side of your house to give it some shade and protection. Make sure the location has well-drained soil.
3. Dig a hole two to three times wider than the container. Try to keep the hole as deep as the root ball. Cut away the bottom from the nursery container, and carefully place the plant into the hole. Cut along the side of the nursery pot to remove it completely from the plant. Mix the soil with 50/50 with compost and sand; then backfill the hole.
4. Water the plant in well when you first plant it in its new environment. You do not have to water the avocado quite as much in the winter if it is a wet winter. Cool and damp soil will make the avocado tree susceptible to root rot. Water the plant regularly during the spring and summer to keep the soil damp. Use a drip system such as drip emitters to water the trees slowly and deeply by applying ¼ to ½ gallon per hour for 3 to 4 hours, especially on hot days with temperatures over 100 degrees F.
5. Fertilize the avocado tree after the first year. Use a balanced citrus fertilizer once a year, being careful to follow the directions on the label.
6. Trim the skirts of the avocado trees. This will prevent rodents from damaging the tree. Try to avoid pruning when possible because the avocado tree thins itself naturally.
7. Protect the avocado trees from frost. When the temperature reaches below 32 degrees F, wrap the tree with heavy blankets and plastic to prevent the cold air from damaging the tree.
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