Easy tips on how to grow apricots and avocados

Apricots and avocados conjure up images of summer and fresh, tasty dishes so it’s no wonder you want to learn how to grow them. Keep these tips in mind when cultivating these delicious fruits.

The climate of a region determines which variety of apricot tree will grow best. 'Glengarry' is best suited to coastal areas. 'Trevatt' is generally grown in cool inland regions, and it carries a heavy crop every second year. 'Morocco' also grows inland, but it fruits later than 'Trevatt'. 'Tilton' is a heavy cropper, and it prefers a cool climate. Some other popular varieties are 'Early Oullins', 'Blenheim', 'Moorpark', 'Divinity' and 'Story'.

• These trees are self-fertile, so you don’t need to buy a pollinator.To grow successfully, apricot trees will need rich, well-drained soil. They prefer a climate with warm summers and cool winters.
• A dry spring and summer are also beneficial, as fruit tends to split if there is too much moisture in the air.
• Apricot trees appreciate regular watering during the summer plus an application of a liquid fertilizer at flowering time. The fruit forms on laterals produced during the previous year's growth, and also on the spurs.
• If growth appears on the spurs, shorten the lateral growth that is two or more years old to encourage better production on the spurs.
• An apricot tree may also produce strong water shoots — those arising close to pruning wounds.
• Prune the water shoots back in the middle of summer to encourage smaller lateral growths as well as fruiting wood.
• Spray a Bordeaux mix in late winter, just before leaf-burst, to prevent leaf curl. In some regions, measures may have to be taken to prevent brown rot, rust and fruit fly.

Avocado trees grow well in a subtropical climate but even a mild, temperate climate is suitable — providing they are sheltered from cold winds and frosts and are in a sunny position. Popular varieties include 'Hass', 'Hopkins', 'Reed' and 'Zurtano'.

• You can grow avocados from seed, but at planting time it is advisable for you to treat the seed with fungicide powder as avocados are susceptible to root rot.
• They are self-pollinating, so you can treat one tree and bear fruit.
• Avocados require deep, moderately rich, well-drained soil.
• Mulch from the trunk of the tree to the outer limits of the branches with plenty of organic matter, and water well during summer, especially while the tree is young.
• The trees grow to nine metres (30 feet) when they are mature, without any need for shaping or pruning.

Some of the most delicious and versatile fruits are apricots and avocados as you can eat them raw or in hot dishes. These tips will help you grow an abundant crop!