Introduction to Grow Kalamata Olives
Growing Kalamata olives in the home garden or on the small balcony can really become a quite rewarding activity. By caring for the olives, you can grow them in the backyard as well as in a small balcony. This guide will cover the topics related to planting, nurturing, and harvesting of Kalamata olives.
Choosing the Right Olive Tree
Choosing the right olive tree for Kalamata olives is the first step in the growing process. Choose a baby apple tree from a respectable plant tub with which you’re familiar. Find out about the type of olive tree it is (Kalamata). Make sure it has a robust trunk and healthy leaves.
Preparing the Soil
For the kalamata olives to do well, the soil must be well-drained. If you want to grow your own olives prepare your flowerbed by manuring with some organic compost to make it more fertile. Olive trees are okay with alkaline soil so you might have to manipulate the soil’s pH to a neutrality if it is too acidic. Adequate drainage needs to be ensured to avoid root rot.
Planting the Olive Tree
Select a good place for your Kalamata olive tree to be in the sun. Dig a hole double the diameter and depth of the tree’s root ball. Ensure that you have the top of the root ball at the same level as the soil surface. Put the shovel in the hole and fill in with soil wrapping around the base of the plant. Pour the tree with water after growing it.
Watering the Olive Tree
Young Kalamata olive trees should be watered regularly to help their roots to develop. You have to water the tree deeply once a week and let the soil absorb the water, but not let it become waterlogged. It would become more drought-resistant as the tree matures. Irrigate it less frequently (once every two to three weeks), and depending on the rain, of course.
Fertilizing the Olive Tree
Kalamata olives are growing with ease with regular feeding being done. The best idea is to use a balanced olive tree fertilizer during the spring as well as the autumn that has been recommended by the manufacturer. Select the best material for the olive tree which is of the slow release formula and adhere to the instructions before the end of the warranty period. Never give the tree more than it can handle or you will obviously end up with no fruit.
Pruning the Olive Tree
Pruning greatly contributes to the health and productivity of the Kalamata olive tree since it is an essential activity. To recondition the olive, the tree should be pruned in late winter and early spring before new growth occurs. Flowers will be removed, as well as old and diseased branches. The dead center of trees is often cleared out in order to make space for the air to circulate and light to come through.
Pest and Disease Control
Kalamata olive trees can be vulnerable to pests and diseases. Olive tree fruitflies are among the most common and scale insects. You will be growing a beautiful tree in no time, but remember, trees are the main source of food for the sap-sucking insects. Inspect your trees monthly for a closer look at the infestation and if needed treat them with organic insecticides. To avoid diseases, make sure to keep the air moving and do not overwater the orchard.
Harvesting Kalamata Olives
The time comes in the late fall when the Kalamata olives have acquired the deep purple color which signals the maturation process. For harvesting purposes, gently handpick the olives or use a small rake. Be careful not to break the fruit or tree with the olives and make sure you do it quickly so they keep their state of prime quality.
Processing Kalamata Olives
Kalamata olives that have been freshly harvested are first cured to remove the bitterness. The most common and effective way involves the olives being immersed in a solution of salt and water for a couple of weeks. Another procedure is that the olives are mixed with salt and left them to dry. Both of these two methods are renowned for both flavor enhancement and preservation of the taste.
Storing Kalamata Olives
Proper storing is very important not to spoil Kalamata olives. Cured olives can be stored in a room with low light and temperature in a hermetically sealed container. Keeping the olives in the refrigerator is ideal for the long-term storage plan. Such a way of keeping them will allow the olives to preserve for a great period of time.
Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor
Growing Kalamata olives at home can be quite a satisfying and fun process. Not only you will enjoy the fresh, tasty olives but will also be able to appreciate the whole process of their growth. With proper treatment and attention, your Kalamata olive tree can develop enough and it may bear a huge amount of fruit for many years.
Conclusion
Planting Kalamata olive trees at home is, in fact, a massively gratifying experience that allows you to taste fresh, delicious olives and in return, get a good grasp of the whole farming process. Correct choice of tree, soil preparation, and good care will result in a large crop of Kalamata olives. Whether you cook with them or eat them as they are, the effort that putting into growing these olives will not be in vain. Have a happy farming time!
FAQs about Growing Kalamata Olives
- How long does it take for a Kalamata olive tree to bear fruit?
Kalamata olive trees are usually mature enough to bear fruit from the third to the fifth year. Nonetheless, a complete set of fruits can take up to ten years.
- Can I grow Kalamata olives in a pot?
Ya, you can grow Kalamata olives in a pot. You should select a big, well-ventilated pot and use high quality planting soil. Make sure that the tree is exposed to a lot of sunlight and has regular watering.
Come up with the best time for a Kalamata olive tree planting?
The most suitable time to plant a Kalamata olive tree is in the spring or fall when the weather is not too hot. This makes the tree develop roots before July and August that are very hot or on the ground the temperatures of winter that can be cold.
- How do I know the right timing to harvest my olives?
You can stop picking Kalamata olives when it shifts to a very dark purple. They must be firm and a little bit soft.
- Can the Kalamata olive trees cope with cold weather?
Kalamata olive trees are ideal for moderate, Mediterranean climates. They can handle some frost, but the tree can be damaged by continuous exposure to freezing temperatures. If you live in a cold area, make sure to grow your tree in a pot and move it inside before the winter comes.
