Advocating Avocadoes
Who does not love avocadoes? They are high in fat, but have no cholesterol. They are high in fiber, yet low in sugar. Natural suppliers of vitamins C and K, as well as the important Folate, the avocado has many avid fans that will eat it raw in salads or simply spread on crackers. Purists are known to simply open up an avocado and have at it with a spoon.
It is not surprising that many would love to grow an avocado tree or two in the backyard. As a matter of fact, many a neighbor-to-neighbor dispute has grown up over the ownership of avocadoes that have fallen on the other side of the fence. Yet is it possible to grow an avocado tree in your own backyard?
Prior to picking out a spot for your avocado tree, keep in mind that it will grow into a large tree that may also spread considerably. It is important to remember that these trees enjoy full sun and will not do well in shady spots. Next, it is important to consider what kind of climate your avocado tree will encounter. There are a variety of species available, but the subtropical species will not tolerate any kind of frost. If you mistakenly do grow such a specimen in your yard, you will find all of your avocados on the ground after the first frost. Hybrids have been created that can weather frost and even live and thrive in subzero temperatures.
Once you have chosen the appropriate species of avocado tree for your area, it is important to properly prepare the soil to welcome this new tree. These trees enjoy ground that is properly mulched and aerated. Do not plant your young tree in summer, since it takes a little while to establish a good watering cycle, and young trees may die from thirst before being established enough to take up enough water and nutrients from the soil in the heat of the summer day. It is important to fertilize your new tree. While there are several commercially formulated avocado fertilizers on the market, the one you will want to choose should have nitrogen, potassium, zinc and phosphorus. Newly planted trees need to be watered frequently to avoid drying out.
If you are starting from scratch, namely by planting an avocado seed, you will need to exercise some patience. It may take anywhere from five to ten years for a seed-grown tree to bear any fruit. Nonetheless, the process of crowing your own tree from a seed can be quite rewarding. You may do so simply by purchasing an avocado berry – yes, they are considered berries or drupes – and instead of disposing of the large seed in the trash saving it. Gently wash off any of the green flesh and then use a triangle fashioned of three toothpicks to suspend the broad end over water filled glass. Some of the seed needs to be covered by the water. Be sure to refill the water glass every so often so that evaporation does not cause the seed to sit on dry land. Within about a month you should see some roots sprout from the bottom and a stem from the top. Some growers recommend cutting back the stem when it is about six inches tall to about three inches to allow it strengthen and produce more leaves. Others do not recommend this step. Whatever you decide, when the roots look thick and strong, you can plant your little avocado in good potting soil by leaving half of the seed above ground. While you may not get a great tasting avocado out of the deal, you will be rewarded with a beautiful ornamental or shade tree!
It is apparent that the avocado tree can be easily grown in your own backyard. Hobby gardeners simply need to decide if they wish to plant this tree for its berry harvest, or simply for aesthetic purposes or as a large shade tree. Keep it well watered, away from wind and shade, and you will be rewarded with a beautiful, and quite possibly tasty, addition to your landscape!