Olive Grove Calendar: How to Care for an Olive Tree All Year Round
At BelOleum, we’ve seen for generations that the quality of a good extra virgin olive oil starts long before the olives reach the mill. And to ensure the success of the final product, we follow what is known as the olive grove calendar, a work roadmap where every task and treatment the olive tree needs is clearly set out. The goal? For the tree to grow healthy, strong and laden with fruit.
From winter pruning to irrigation in critical moments, including fertilisation and plant health treatments, every action taken has a direct impact on the aroma, flavour and purity of our EVOO.
Why is it important to follow an olive grove work calendar?
It’s true that olive trees are quite long-lived, but their productivity and health depend on well-planned care. And this, as we mentioned already, comes down to strictly following an olive grove work calendar. That way, we work in tune with its natural cycle, stay ahead of possible pests and diseases, and optimise every resource to obtain olives of the highest quality.
Olive grove calendar: monthly tasks for the olive tree throughout the year
Although it may seem like the only important procedure, olive tree pruning is just a small part of everything that needs to be done to guarantee the best olives. This is what an olive grove requires throughout the year:
Winter (December to February)
During the vegetative rest period, the so-called winter pruning is carried out to rejuvenate the tree, remove dry or poorly oriented branches and open up the canopy to the light. It is also the right time to analyse the oil yield and plan the olive grove fertilisation calendar, applying base nutrients (N-P-K) and preventive fungicidal treatments.
Early spring (March–April)
With budding, it’s time to apply foliar nutrient and preventive treatments against fungi and insects. In April, mowing or clearing the ground cover helps to avoid competition for water and nutrients. Since the trees are in full bloom, the actions included in the olive grove treatment calendar for this period must be extremely precise: any mistake can seriously affect fruit set.
Late spring (May)
In May, it’s time to control the growth of suckers and monitor pests such as euzophera. As indicated in plant health treatment calendars for olive groves, these applications must be carried out carefully because of the proximity to flowering.
Summer (June–August)
In the hot months, water stress is the main challenge to tackle. If irrigation is available, it’s best to schedule it at critical stages: before flowering, during fruit growth and at veraison. Foliar fertilisation, meanwhile, is only applied if the tree is not under stress.
July and August are ideal months to analyse leaves (DRIS) and adjust the fertilisation plan, thus ensuring healthier olives and a more aromatic oil.
Autumn (September–November)
When autumn arrives, preventive treatments and foliar fertilisation are carried out to prepare the tree for harvest. In this regard, September and October are key months to assess oil yield and decide the optimal harvest date. In November, early harvesting begins for top-quality EVOOs, preserving their almond-like aroma and characteristic sweetness.
Olive grove fertilisation calendar: when and how to nourish your trees
A proper fertilisation calendar for the olive grove is essential. It results in fruit that is more balanced, more resistant and richer in compounds that will contribute to a unique sensory profile and make it easier to obtain a superior quality extra virgin olive oil – a premium EVOO like our Arbequina and Empeltre varieties. What are you waiting for to try them?
That said, here’s when and how to nourish olive trees throughout the year:
- Winter: As we mentioned, this is the time for base fertilisation with granular N-P-K to support spring budding.
- Spring and summer: Time for foliar fertilisation, which provides fast-acting nutrients and strengthens the health of our trees.
- After leaf analysis: This is when we fine-tune the details to correct deficiencies and optimise production.
Olive grove treatment calendar to prevent pests and diseases
Does it seem like there’s a lot to think about? We still need to talk about the olive grove plant health treatment calendar! It includes the use of:
- Fungicides after harvest and in spring.
- Insecticides against olive moth or euzophera, applied according to the monitoring we carry out on the trees themselves.
- Targeted herbicides to control vegetation without damaging the tree.
Each treatment is scheduled to protect the harvest without disrupting the natural balance of the olive grove or compromising the quality of the oil.
Tips for correctly applying the olive grove calendar
Finally, it’s essential to observe and adapt each plot to its specific needs: for example, the olive variety, the age of the trees and, of course, the local climate.
It is also advisable to avoid working in extreme temperatures. This way, we not only protect the health of the people working in the field, but also that of the tree itself, preserving the crop.
Want the best EVOO? It all starts with good olive tree care
Caring for each olive tree, following an olive grove calendar tailored to the lands of Campo de Belchite, is our top priority. In this way, from century-old trees cultivated with tradition and dedication, we obtain an extra virgin olive oil of the highest quality: BelOleum EVOO.
So now you know: if you want to taste an EVOO that reflects well-done work throughout the year, we invite you to take a look at our online store.
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