Taking care of a carob tree is actually a lot easier than you might think! If you’re looking to add a touch of the Mediterranean to your backyard, you’ve come to the right place. With a few simple tips, your tree will be thriving in no time. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
Getting Started: Planting Your Carob Tree
Whether you’ve just bought a young sapling or managed to grow one yourself from carob seeds, you have options: you can cultivate it as a bonsai or let it reach its full potential in your garden. The first thing to keep in mind is that these trees grow deep taproots. This means you’ll need to pick a spot with plenty of deep soil so those roots can stretch out. Here’s a quick checklist for the perfect location:
The ideal spot for a carob tree:
- Full sun or partial shade
- Well-draining soil (no soggy feet!)
- Soil mixed with humus or sand
- Can handle alkaline (lime) or salty soils
One of the best things about carob trees is that they are incredibly drought-tolerant. You won’t need to be out there with the watering can every day. In fact, the biggest danger is overwatering. Make sure the soil doesn’t stay waterlogged, as too much moisture can damage the roots of a plant that is naturally adapted to dry, rugged conditions.
Helping Your Tree Settle In
Once your tree is in the ground, you can give it a little “welcome home” boost. A bit of fertilizer or a nice layer of humus or mulch around the base of the trunk will help it establish itself. Generally speaking, you can fertilize your tree anytime from spring through fall. Just be sure to take a break during the winter months so you don’t disrupt the tree’s natural growth cycle.
Spring is the absolute best time for planting. If you’re moving a tree outdoors or repotting one, wait until the threat of frost has completely passed. Most gardeners wait until May to be safe—that way, you can be sure your carob tree won’t get a cold shock!
