Ever dream of bringing a little slice of Italy or Greece to your own backyard? You’re definitely not alone! One of the easiest ways to nail that Mediterranean vibe is by picking out the right planters, but the real secret is what you put *in* them. If you want that authentic look, nothing sets the mood quite like an olive tree.
A Bit of a Challenge
By nature, olive trees are slow-growing and incredibly hardy. However, our local climate can be a bit of a culture shock for them. That’s why picking the perfect spot in your garden is absolutely crucial if you want your tree to thrive.
Soak Up the Sun
For most of us, planting an olive tree directly in the ground isn’t the best move unless you live in a region with super mild winters (like wine country). In most cases, keeping your olive tree in a pot is the way to go. When you’re scouting out the perfect home for your potted tree, look for a spot that hits these three marks:
- Full sun
- Sheltered from the wind
- Protected from heavy downpours
Low Maintenance, High Standards
Olive trees are actually pretty chill when it comes to water and fertilizer—they don’t need much of either. What they *do* crave is as much daily sunlight as they can get. If you stick them in the shade or even partial shade, they can go downhill pretty fast. The same goes for soggy soil; if the roots stay too wet, they’ll rot, and the tree won’t be able to take up nutrients. Also, keep them out of drafty corridors—they really prefer a calm, still environment.
Finding a Winter Home
Where you keep your tree in the winter is just as important as where it sits in the summer. When it’s time for overwintering, your olive tree still wants plenty of natural light. Just a heads-up: don’t bring it into your cozy living room! These trees actually need a “rest period” in a cool spot—around 50°F (10°C) is the sweet spot—to recharge their batteries for the next growing season.
