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Hi all
I recently planted a young olive tree and added sugarcane mulch around it. Could you recommend fertilisers and how often I should water it?
Thanks
Hello @bardiab1985
Your young olive tree looks healthy and well positioned. Olive trees are tough, but getting their early care right makes a big difference for long-term growth and fruiting.
For fertilising, use a balanced slow-release fertiliser that is formulated for fruit or citrus trees, such as Scotts Osmocote 500g Citrus and Fruit Controlled Release Fertiliser and Richgro Plus 2.5kg Fruit and Citrus Fertiliser. These provide enough nitrogen for leaf growth while supporting root and flower development. Apply it two to three times per year once in early spring, again in mid-summer, and if needed, lightly in early autumn.
You can also supplement with liquid seaweed or fish-based fertiliser like Charlie Carp every four to six weeks during the growing season to boost micronutrients and soil biology. Avoid over-fertilising, since olives prefer leaner soils and too much nitrogen can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of root or fruit development.
For watering, consistency is key during establishment. In the first year, water deeply about twice a week in warm or dry weather so moisture reaches 30–40 cm down into the root zone. As the roots spread and the tree matures, you can reduce watering to once a week or less, depending on rainfall and soil drainage. The goal is to let the top few centimetres of soil dry out between waterings to avoid waterlogging. Sugarcane mulch is a good choice it helps retain moisture and moderate soil temperature, but keep it pulled back a few centimetres from the trunk to prevent rot.
Here is handy guide that will help: How To Plant, Grow And Prune An Olive Tree
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
