Why grow avocados at home?
Avocados have become a kitchen staple in Australia and while they’re delicious, they can also be pricey. Growing avocados at home by planting your own tree is not only a smart investment but also a wonderful way to add shade and beauty to your family garden and nothing beats harvesting creamy fruit straight from the backyard.
Best position and soil preparation for avocado trees
best spot: sun, wind and shelter
When growing avocados at home, they demand excellent drainage. Their biggest weakness is root rot, which thrives in soggy soil. If your garden is heavy clay, improve conditions by building a large, raised planting mound on top of your existing soil with introduced sandy loam and organic matter. Choose a sheltered, north-eastern spot, with morning sun and protection from strong winds and harsh afternoon rays.
Choosing the right avocado variety for your climate
top avocado varieties: type A vs type B
Hass is the most popular, but there are many options depending on your climate. Fuerte, Reed, Rincon, Pinkerton, and Wurtz cope well in cooler areas, while Bacon is best in frosty zones. In tropical climates, try Walden, Shepard, or Edranol. One tree will produce a crop but planting an ‘A’ and ‘B’ type pair to cross pollinate will greatly boost harvests.
top varieties
- Type A: Hass, Lamb Hass, Pinkerton, Reed, Wurtz
- Type B: Bacon, Fuerte, Shepard, Sharwil
Planting tip
Double Up for Better Pollination
To save space when growing avocados at home, consider planting your ‘A’ and ‘B’ type avocado in the one hole
How to plant avocado trees at home
Start with a grafted tree from a reputable nursery. Dig a wide hole, build a mound if your soil is heavy, and make sure water drains freely. Add organic matter to give the young tree the best start.
Avocado Tree Care: Watering, Feeding and Mulching
frost & sun protection for young avocado trees
In their first two years, young trees need extra care. Use shade cloth to protect them from harsh sun and frost covers during cold snaps. Avocados dislike extremes, so steady conditions are the key to success.
Water regularly in dry weather, ensuring the soil remains moist but never waterlogged. Spread a 7 cm layer of sugar cane mulch to keep the roots cool, suppress weeds and retain moisture. Feed lightly every couple of months with pelletised chicken manure or a fertiliser designed for fruit trees.
Pruning and harvesting your avocado tree
Avocado trees can grow tall and wide, so pruning after harvest is essential. Regular trimming controls size, encourages branching and keeps fruit within easy reach.
Grafted trees typically begin producing in 3–4 years. Unlike many fruits, avocados ripen after they are picked. To test if your crop is ready, harvest one or two fully formed fruits. If they soften within 7–10 days, the rest are ready for picking.
Common mistakes to avoid when growing avocados at home
- Planting in poorly draining soil
- Overwatering or letting soil stay soggy
- Exposing young trees to harsh frost or sunburn
- Forgetting to mulch and feed regularly
Avoiding these pitfalls will save you years of frustration and lead to a healthier, more productive tree.
Fun Fact: how long do avocado trees live?
A well-cared-for avocado tree can live more than 50 years. That means the tree you plant today could still be feeding your children, or even your grandchildren, decades from now. Planting one is truly an investment in the future.
Avocado quick tips
- Best spot: North-east aspect, morning sun, shelter from wind.
- Soil: Free-draining is a must – build a mound if needed.
- Mulch: Maintain 7cm of sugar cane mulch over the root zone.
- Feeding: Light applications of pelletised chicken manure every 2 months.
- Watering: Regular deep drinks in warm, dry weather.
- Varieties: Pair an ‘A’ and ‘B’ type for greater harvests.
- Pruning: Prune after harvest to control size.
- Harvest: Fruit ripens after picking – test one first.
To read more tips from Phil head to his website! Grow Your Food – with Phil Dudman
