weekly avocado care checklist (tropics-friendly)
moisture check:
feel top 3–5 cm soil; if dry → deep-water to the dripline • young trees: ~10–15 l
• mature: ~20–40 l
• avoid puddling >1 h
drainage pass (after rain):
open channels;
keep root collar dry/exposed.
mulch:
maintain 5–10 cm organic mulch;
pull back 10–15 cm from trunk.
weed-free ring:
keep a clean 60–100 cm circle;
no tools scraping bark.
canopy & sanitation:
remove dead/crossing twigs, water sprouts, soil-touching branches;
no hard pruning.
stake/support (young trees):
check ties;
prevent wind rock.
flowers & fruit:
in bloom, avoid spraying;
watch pollinators.
thin heavy sets on young trees;
prop heavy limbs;
pick up fallen fruit.
feeding (if it’s a feed week):
compost tea/vermicompost extract 2–4 l/tree;
keep N moderate;
add a light potassium source (seaweed/wood ash) if fruiting.
micronutrient watch:
• pale new leaves → iron issue
• older leaves yellow w/ green veins → magnesium
plan next-week fix (chelate/epsom), avoid leaf burn salts.
pests:
check undersides for mites, thrips, scale, leaf miner;
- manage ants.
- action → morning rinse + soap 1–2% or neem 5 ml/l;
- repeat in 3–5 days if needed.
disease watch:
black leaf/fruit spots (anthracnose) or sooty mold → remove affected leaves, improve airflow;
optional spray baking soda 1 tsp/l + drop of soap (not in evening).
watch for root-rot signs (wilt/dieback) → improve drainage immediately.
ground hygiene:
clear litter from under canopy;
keep trunk area dry.
container extras (if potted):
rotate 90° for even light;
ensure pot feet/air gap;
deep-flush salts once/month.
log it:
date, rainfall, liters watered, feed (y/n), pests/disease seen, fruit drop count.