I just bought a beautiful, large olive tree to add some height to my small city garden. The nursery had a great deal, but I'm a bit anxious about its care. My garden has clay soil and we've just laid turf, adding a layer of manure, compost, and topsoil. I'm unsure about how wet the ground will get in winter since we just renovated it after many years of concrete covering the area. I want to avoid root rot at all costs! My plan is to dig a big hole, put in pebbles and gravel, then compost, and finally plant the tree with more compost, disposing of the soil I dig out. Is this the right approach? I'd appreciate any tips!
5 Answers
You might want to check with the nursery for specific care instructions since they know their trees best! They'll likely have some great tips for you.
Your plan sounds solid! Olive trees thrive when planted directly in the ground. I suggest mixing your compost with some sandy soil for better backfill. Just be cautious with the sand and clay combo—it can get a bit heavy!
Thanks for the tip! I keep coming across conflicting advice, so I'm trying to be careful about mixing things.
Consider elevating the tree with rocks or creating a raised bed for better drainage, especially if your clay soil stays wet. Good drainage helps a lot! You could also plant drought-resistant herbs like rosemary nearby as indicators for your tree's health.
Absolutely! I like that idea, and I'll try to improve the soil around it as well.
I’ve grown a bunch of olive trees, and they’re generally hard to mess up. Your idea of watering thoroughly as it gets established is key. If the leaves start drooping, that’s a sign it needs water. Just keep an eye out for that!
Great advice! Our garden does get pretty dry in the summer, so I'll watch for droopy leaves.
Just make sure to water it well until it’s established. Once it starts growing, you'll know you’re watering enough. It needs a good wet area to spread its roots before it can handle drought.
Thanks for the great advice! I really appreciate it.
That's a good point! I'll definitely ask them for some advice.