Water, sunlight and soil all affect how a plant grows. At Olive De Casa, we consider the growing conditions of each olive tree and the place where it will be planted.
Start with drainage
Olive trees need freely draining conditions; a growing medium that stays saturated can contribute to root problems. For in-ground planting, choose a site with good drainage. In a container, use a pot with drainage holes and raise it on pot feet so excess water can drain. See the RHS guide to growing olives for site drainage and the RHS container-growing guide for drainage holes and container care.
Consider the whole growing mix
The suitability of a growing mix depends on its overall structure, the container or planting site, and how quickly excess water drains.
For our olive-tree care approach, we recommend a light, open mix containing black soil, peat moss and organic matter. The mix described here also includes pumice and a small amount of sand. These ingredients are considered as part of the complete growing mix, rather than a fixed recipe for every site. The mix should be considered alongside the pot or planting site and its drainage.
Ask about the individual site
For advice on a particular tree and site, contact the Olive De Casa team.