Persea americana • Green Gold
Avocados are a supermarket luxury, but they can be a backyard staple in the right climate. Growing an avocado tree is an exercise in patience but produces an incredible harvest. They are magnificent evergreen trees that provide dense shade and, eventually, hundreds of nutrient-dense fruits.
Avocados hate 'wet feet'. They need exceptionally free-draining soil. Plant on a mound if you have clay. They also need shelter from strong winds.
Avocado roots are extremely sensitive. Do not disturb the root ball when planting. Treat it like a newborn baby.
Deep watering is key. Allow topsoil to dry before soaking. Feed regularly with nitrogen/zinc. Protect young bark from sunburn.
Grafted trees take 3-4 years to fruit. Seed-grown trees can take 10+ years. Buying a grafted nursery tree is highly recommended.
A superfruit loaded with healthy fats. Per 100g serving:
High in beta-sitosterol and healthy fats which help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Packed with lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants essential for eye health.
Eating avocado with other veggies helps you absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) from them.
Often caused by salt build-up or under-watering. Flush soil deeply with water periodically.
The #1 killer (Phytophthora). Ensure drainage is perfect. Use gypsum in soil to help prevent this.