Gardening tips: Growing an olive tree

If you want to grow your own olives, then you should try growing an olive tree in your garden!

These beautiful sun-loving trees produce amazing fruits that can be used in cooking or eaten raw.

Here are some tips on how to grow your own olives.

Selecting the Right Location

Choose a sunny spot in your garden or yard. Olive trees love sunlight, so find a place where they can get plenty of it.

Preparing the Soil

Olive trees prefer well-draining soil. Mix some sand or gravel into the soil to enhance drainage. 

Ensure the pH level of the soil is around 6 to 7.

Planting the Olive Tree

Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of your young olive tree. 

Place the tree in the hole and fill it with soil. Water the tree well after planting.

Watering

Olive trees don't need a lot of water. Water the tree deeply but infrequently. 

Let the soil dry out between watering sessions.

Mulching

Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning

Prune the olive tree to remove any dead or unwanted branches. This helps the tree focus its energy on healthy growth.

Fertilizing

Olive trees generally don't require a lot of fertilizer. A balanced fertilizer in spring should be sufficient.

Harvesting Olives

Once your olive tree matures, usually after a few years, you can harvest the olives. This is typically done in late autumn.

Dealing with Pests

Keep an eye out for pests like aphids or scale insects. If you notice any issues, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.

Winter Protection

If you live in a colder climate, consider providing some winter protection for your olive tree, especially when it's young.

Previously, we talked about spring soil preparation,

• Related news:
• gardening tips
• planting
• trees
• 3 February 2024

---