Proper planting of avocado seedlings is part of establishing a healthy and productive orchard.
Before planting the avocado, choose a suitable site where the avocado will be planted. Good drainage is good for avocado and this is why it is advisable to make mounds so that water drains quickly from the soil. Test the soil months before planting and incorporate any required inputs or pre planting fertilizer. Inspect the seedlings to ensure that they are healthy, have a sound graft union and that the roots are not diseased.
Seedlings management
Keep the seedlings in a place where they are protected from wind and ensure that they are always watered using clean water.
If the seedlings are already sun hardened, you can plant them directly in the sun but if they are not yet hardened off, consider putting them in a screen house and harden them off gradually.
Before planting, paint the stems over way down with a white colour to prevent them from sun burn.
Planting
Irrigate the planting site a day before planting to moisten the soil to a depth of 30 cm. Also water the seedlings in the potting bags.
Dig a hole that is slightly larger and slightly shallower than the depth of the planting bag. Never apply manure or fertilizer directly in the planting hole as this is likely to burn the tree.
Carefully cut off the bottom of the bag, gently put the potting bag in the hole and gently pull the remains of the bag upwards and clear the root zone. The top of the growing medium should sit slightly above ground level.
Water thoroughly after planting and apply coarse mulch to a depth of 10 to 15 cm and keep the mulch 10cm from the tree trunk.
Extra care is required for several weeks after planting.
