Want to know how to plant avocados in the desert? Despite the ideal moderately warm temperature and moderate humidity, it’s possible to plant avocados in the desert.
Deserts are known as areas with extremely high temperatures, dry climates, and scarce rainfall. Like most fruit-bearing trees, avocados also need enough hydration to grow and thrive. As long as they are taken care of properly and there’s access to water, growing them in deserts is achievable.
Tips in Planting Avocado in the Desert
It might be a bit hard to imagine, but there have been avocados found in such dry and hot regions before. While the lack of water seems to be the biggest issue, there are more necessary precautions that you must take note of.
Tip #1: Only some variations of avocado can be planted in the desert
The first thing that you should note is that not all avocado species can survive the conditions of the desert, no matter how much you tend to it. However, just as how there are kinds that are impossible to grow there, there are appropriate ones as well.
One type that can withstand extreme temperatures is the Aravaipa Avocado. As a matter of fact, it can survive a minimum of 14 degrees, and a maximum of 120 degrees F. Keep in mind that the average temperature of deserts is within the qualified range.
Tip #2: Choose the appropriate soil and location
The next consideration is the area where you are going to place your plant. Despite the Aravaipa Avocado’s ability to survive in hot places, setting it directly under the harsh sun can be deadly.
For your tree to survive, the morning sun must be able to reach it. Likewise, the afternoon shade is also necessary for its growth. You can opt for shade cloth, although the conditions above are more ideal.
You cannot just dig a hole somewhere in the desert and stick your plant there. Some factors must be followed for the ideal soil as well. Generally, avocado trees grow best when the soil’s pH is about six or six and a half.
How to Plant Avocado in the Desert
Some precautions should be taken before planting the tree to ensure that it gets the appropriate nutrients and hydration it requires. The first thing that you should do is to look for nearby weeds and to pull them out.
Afterward, pour five gallons of water into the hole in your planting area. Take note that you should dig about double the size of your tree’s container. Wait for the water to dry up after an hour and pour five more gallons.
After precisely a day has passed, check the hole if the water has already been drained. If not, this indicates that your soil does not absorb water well. Therefore, you must supplement it to enhance the condition of the drainage.
Check the area once again after two more days for signs of pent-up water. If observed, this signals the soil’s dire need for an improvement in the drainage. What you can do is to amend the ground and add rocks on the bottom of the area that you have dug up.
If no issues are found with the hole, place your tree there and begin with the maintenance. Water it about two to three times every week and 20 gallons a day during irrigation season. Don’t forget to provide compost as well for better produce.
Why Should You Try Planting Using a Greenhouse?
There are several benefits when it comes to planting in greenhouses, especially for gardeners who live in warmer climates. Here are some of the reasons why you should try growing avocados and other plants in a hobby greenhouse:
Lower the risk of pest and disease exposure
Gardeners carefully choose the soil they use when growing plants in containers. Unlike outdoor garden soil, there’s a great chance that the soil you use is free from harmful diseases and pests. Just make sure that you’ve chosen your soil carefully. Without harmful pathogens and pests, your plants can focus their efforts on growth instead of repair.
Controlled humidity
Your plants need moisture in the roots and surrounding environment to grow healthy and strong. If the growing conditions of your plants are warm and dry, similar to deserts, your plants will be forced to rely on soil moisture, which can lead to water stress. Growing your plants in a greenhouse with humidity controls ensures that moisture and humidity levels are ideal. Your plants will be able to produce high-quality fruits and flowers.
Controlled temperature
Outdoor temperatures can be erratic, and your plants could be subjected to extreme temperatures every now and then. This causes plant stress and could halt their growth. Greenhouses allow you to control indoor growing temperature through heating systems and air ventilation. You can adjust the timers connected to the heating/cooling systems so you can change the temperature depending on the weather.
Final Thoughts on How to Plant Avocados in the Desert
Knowing how to plant avocados in the desert is, in fact, not as hard as it initially seems. Indeed, it can be complicated, but as long as the ideal conditions and proper tending procedures are followed, the task can be considered a breeze.