How To Grow Avocados At Home

Havre you ever wondered how to grow avocados at home? if so, you’re not alone. Avocados have become somewhat of an essential in 2020. From authentic guacamole to smooth ‘avo’ on toast.  Best of all avocados, not only do they taste delicious, they’re good for you.  In fact, because they’re full of mono-unsaturated fats (they good ones) and vitamins, mineral and fibre they are considered a superfood.  For all these reasons, an avocado tree is fast becoming a must-have for anyone thinking about homegrown foods.

So, here’s how you do it.

Snapshot for growing avocados

You may repost this infographic on your website provided you link to myhomegrownfoods.com

Avocados grow on trees.  They are Native to Central and South America so they thrive in tropical and subtropical climates did anyone say Florida?)  But they are a hardy and adaptable tree that can grow warm and even cool climates as long as there is no frost.

Where Do Avocados Grow Best?

Avocados grow best when planted in full sun. The soil should have a pH of between 6 to 6.5.

Avocado trees thrive when deeply planted in well fertilized soil.   Make sure the soil has good drainage.  Click here to read about some great organic fertilizer options for your garden.

When Should Avocado Trees Be Planted?

Spring is the best time to plant an avocado tree.

How Should Avocado Trees Be Planted?

Traditional garden

Make sure you dig a hole which is large enough to fit the plant’s large root ball. Once you have placed the root ball in the hole make sure to fill around the plant with soil.  Cover the soil in mulch after planting.  This will help retain water, help retain some heat and also keep pests at bay.

Container garden

Avocados can grow successfully in a pot or another container.  We recommend using a pot no less than 10 inches in diameter to accommodate the root ball.

Watering

Avocados need to be watered consistently but don’t go crazy.  It takes a bit of trial and error to figure out what your tree needs just make sure the soil isn’t too compacted as this can make your tree water-logged.

Harvesting

While avocados mature on the tree, they don’t actually ripen until they have been picked.  Just allow the avocados to fully form on the tree, pick one and bring it inside. If it ripens it’s time to pick the rest. If it shrivels up, wait a little bit longer.  Maturing times vary depending on climate (with avocados grown in tropical and sub-tropical climates maturing earlier).

Remember, it is not unusual for avocado trees to not produce fruit in the first season. So be patient, the it’s definitely worth the wait.

Wrap up

So there you have it. Everything you need to know on how to grow avocados at home. The only thing left is to get out into the garden.

Looking for more?

Click here to read our article about growing lemons at home.

Click here to read our article about growing strawberries at home.