Olive Tree in Your Garden or Balcony: Piece o' Mediterranean Chill for Home
Transform your garden into a vacation spot with these 7 olive tree tips for creating a dreamy holiday ambiance at home:
Fancy some Mediterranean vibes in your green space? Why not grow an olive tree? But remember, it's not all about sun - care is essential! Here's what you gotta know to create that vacation-at-home feel, from climate and location to watering and winter protection.
Tip 1: Sunny Days, Please
Originating from the sun-kissed south, your new olive buddy thrives in our summer warmth (March-September). If you're in a cozy area, it's golden - olive trees love the heat on light terraces or walls!
Tip 2: Location, Location, Location
Yep, we're talking about winter too. Plant your olive tree near a snug spot like the house to give it some warmth during the colder months. In summer, olive trees potted outdoors should enjoy the rain under the sun, but when the frost comes, a bit of roof cover won't hurt, helping it to avoid too much rainfall.
Tip 3: Wet Feet are No Bueno
Olive trees might be from sunny lands, but don't make them suffer from drought. Moist soil is crucial, especially for potted olives. When olives are in the ground, those long roots can search for water, but in pots, not so much, so water them regularly, and don't let your pots sit in water. A drainage system in the pot and planting hole prevents waterlogging, which is a big no-no.
Tip 4: Food for Growth and Winter Protection
In early spring, feed your olive tree with a fertilizer made for Mediterranean plants. A long-lasting formula means once in late spring, you're all set. But pay attention: autumn fertilizers, rich in potassium, improve frost resistance, keeping your tree happy and healthy as winters come.
Tip 5: Winter Coat Required
Olive trees can handle minus 4°C (39.2°F) outdoors. But when frost gets too prolonged, it's time to move them indoors to a light, frost-free area like a hallway or covered carport. A heated living room isn't ideal - your olive wouldn't enjoy that.
Winter Protection: Preserving the Roots
Winter protection for your olives involves keeping those roots safe. Wrap your pots in styrofoam when planting, or, outside, layer up your tree with fleece. Aim for a temperature difference of a few degrees, applying the protection before the temperature dips below 0°C (32°F). Otherwise, you'll trap the cold.
Tip 6: Yellow? Don't Sweat It
Sometimes the leaves might turn yellow on olives. It might be due to over or under-watering, nutrient deficiency, or fungal diseases. If a few leaves turn yellow and drop, don't worry - it's natural. But if entire branches are affected, consider adjusting your care routine. During winter quarters, if your tree's wrapped or sheltered, fungal diseases are usually the culprit. Collect and dispose of fallen leaves, and water less frequently for good hygiene.
Tip 7: Perfect Partners
An olive tree loves some harmony. Companion plants like lavender, sage, and thyme fit right in. Need some color? Poppy Mallow or Marigold could be your friends too! To add height, plant sword lilies, Yucca, or the tall sedum. For a soft touch, blue fescue and tufted hair grass work great!
References:1. ntv.de, Dorothee Waechter, dpa
- To maintain a Mediterranean lifestyle at home and create a garden that reflects your warm-weather travels, consider incorporating home-and-garden elements like an olive tree, alongside companion plants such as lavender, sage, thyme, poppy mallow, marigold, sword lilies, Yucca, tall sedum, blue fescue, and tufted hair grass.
- In addition to adhering to the seven essential tips for growing an olive tree discussed in this guide, review your community and employment policies to ensure there are no restrictions on maintaining a garden with a Mediterranean theme, as this could positively impact your lifestyle and overall well-being.
