Correct nutrition is critical and fertiliser treatments should be based on the results of regular soil and leaf analysis. In less fertile soils, soil analysis results may suggest adding lime, dolomite, phosphorus and selected trace elements before planting.
2-3 months prior to planting. Applications of lime / dolomite / rock phosphate and blood and bone are also beneficial depending on the natural soil nutrient level.
Citrus tree fertilizers typically work best for avocado trees and are widely available. But if you can't find one, just look for fertilizers with a higher 'N' ratio for the best results. Your chosen product should also contain trace secondary and micronutrients to improve overall soil health.
Avocado trees are acid loving plants. Although they will tolerate a slightly greater pH range they grow best in soils with pH values falling in the very narrow band between 5.8 and 6.3. Gypsum applications are a good way in which to obtain the high calcium levels required by this crop without raising soil pH.
Avocados need nitrogen, first and foremost, and a little zinc. You can use a citrus tree fertilizer as an avocado fertilizer or go organic and use compost, coffee, fish emulsion, etc. Avocados are hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11 and in those regions soil is generally sufficiently nutrient rich to support an avocado.
Avocados prefer soil to be slightly more on the acidic side, with a pH of 5.5 (see The importance of soil pH).
Sprinkle with salt and lime (or lemon) juice. The acid in the lime juice will provide some balance to the richness of the avocado and will help delay the avocados from turning brown.
Citrus fruits naturally contain strong antioxidants, which work against oxygen to slow down spoiling or browning in certain foods. Simply brush a little lemon or lime juice across the flesh of a sliced avocado, seal it in an airtight container, and it should delay the browning process for about a day.
"But what about oxidation?” While lime is touted as a way prevent avocados from browning, it takes a lot of lime for that to work—and it's generally a bad idea to transform a dish's taste for aesthetic reasons.
Adequate irrigation schedules are essential to increase quality fruits and yields. Always ensure the young Avocado trees get enough water for their growth. Irrigate Avocado trees before water pressure builds up. Irrigation is essential during flowering and fruit sets.
It is inexpensive and can be found at drugstores, where it is commonly sold as a laxative or for soaking feet. A cup or so spread around citrus, avocado and other fruit trees boosts their performance, too. This little bit once a year is just right, but more is counterproductive.
Both citrus trees and avocado trees are tolerant of acidic and alkaline soils, but if your soil is prone to being too alkaline you can make it more acidic slowly by adding vinegar to the soil.
Calcium is a required element for avocado growth and is an important component of the cell wall and the exterior surface of cell membranes. In the plant cell wall, calcium controls growth, ion exchange properties, and enzyme activity.
Full sun is a must for avocado. Try to choose a location that is protected from strong winds. Established trees are very hardy, but a tree that remains waterlogged for as little as 48 hours can die, even if it is quite mature.
One technique is to squeeze a bit of fresh lemon or lime juice on the cut side of an avocado. The acidity of the juice will hinder the activity of polyphenol oxidase, which pumps the brakes on browning.
I know the traditional way uses lime, but I personally prefer guacamole with lemon! I like the flavor better with lemon juice, but lime works too. If you're out of fresh lemons or limes, try using bottled lime or lemon juice. Although, freshly squeezed juice is definitely the best!
By storing the avocados in water, users suggest, you're slowing down the oxidation process and keeping the fruit ripe and green for longer. But in reality, the practice doesn't hold water, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — and it could have serious health effects.
You can also brush your avocado's flesh with lemon juice—the citric acid in the lemon juice dramatically slows the browning process. Again, store in an airtight container for extra protection.
The first tip is to squeeze lemon juice on the exposed surface of the avocado. Citric acid keeps fruit from browning because it is full of ascorbic acid. The oxygen reacts with the ascorbic acid before the avocado itself. Citrus juice is also a natural preservative!
One of the most important components of the best soil for avocado trees is that it must be well-draining. Few things will kill your trees faster than when the roots hold onto moisture and start to rot. As such, soils mostly composed of sand, loam, limestone, and granite bits are usually the best soil for avocado trees.
Avocados like loose, rich, well-draining soil. Plant in a container that has drainage holes, in good quality potting soil. The soil may need to be sandy to accommodate the tree's large roots and fast draining so that the roots do not succumb to root rot fungus.
Avocados grow best with a soil pH of 5-7. Avocados are very sensitive to alkaline soils, with pH greater than 7. Their uptake of iron and zinc can be terribly compromised with high soil pH and they will suffer.