Olive trees are native to the Mediterranean basin—Northern Africa, Western Asia, and Southeastern Europe—and have been beautifying gardens since antiquity. In addition to being beautiful and producing delicious briny fruits, these historic trees are also drought-tolerant, easily adaptable to different soil conditions, and can even thrive in containers.

The best part? You don’t need to travel abroad to enjoy these trees. You can grow one right at home. Depending on where you live, olive trees can survive in USDA growing zones 8 to 11, or year-round indoors in containers. Ahead, we break down everything you need to know about growing an olive tree, according to garden experts.

When to Plant an Olive Tree

The best time to plant an olive tree is in the spring, when the danger of frost has passed. “Young trees are quite sensitive to cold, so you don’t want them facing freezing weather their first winter,” says Harrison Meekins, M.S., grower specialist with Sun Gro Horticulture. March or April are considered the better times during spring to plant, when the weather is cool but stable. Just like winter, summer is also unfavorable for new olive tree plantings because extreme heat can negatively affect the tree. However, if you live in a mild climate, where winter lows stay above 30 degrees Fahrenheit, you can also plant in fall, but spring is always the safest, he adds.

How to Plant an Olive Tree

The easiest way to grow an olive tree is by purchasing an established one from a local nursery. Once you bring the tree home, follow these expert-approved steps for properly planting it in the ground.

1. Choose the right spot: Meekins recommends planting your olive tree in an area that receives at least eight hours of full sun daily. Avoid planting in any low areas where water collects.
2. Dig a hole: Dig a hole the same width as the rootball but slightly shallower, so the top of the rootball sits just above the soil line, says Meekins.
3. Plant the tree: Gently remove the tree from its pot. Untangle any circling roots but disturb the root ball as little as possible, he says. Place the tree in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
4. Control weeds: Keep weeds out of the area surrounding your olive tree. Aim for a 3-foot weed-free zone around the trunk, says Meekins. This will allow the tree to grow unencumbered by other plants. Apply mulch a few inches away from the bark.
5. Stake if necessary: If the tree flops, prune back top growth or loosely tie it to a stake until the tree matures and the trunk grows stronger.

How to Care for an Olive Tree

Follow these steps to ensure your olive tree thrives.

Water

Olive trees have minimal water requirements and are drought-tolerant once established. “For young trees, I recommend watering deeply once or twice a week in spring and summer,” says Meekins. “Mature trees can go up to four weeks between watering.” Regardless of age, let the soil dry out slightly before watering again.

Sunlight

Olive trees are heat-resistant and thrive in full sun. For optimal results, aim to give your olive tree eight hours of direct sunlight every day.

Soil

Olive trees prefer fertile, well-draining soil. However, Brian Flood, a garden expert and CEO of Moon Valley Nurseries, notes that these trees can tolerate poor, stony, and shallow soils, allowing them to be planted in a variety of landscapes.

Fertilizer

Olive trees aren’t heavy feeders. “But a balanced fertilizer with about 10 percent nitrogen in spring and mid-summer can help younger trees get established,” says Meekins. Fully mature olive trees typically do not require frequent fertilization. Be careful to avoid over-applying nitrogen, as it can encourage excessive foliage and delay fruit set, he warns.

Temperature

As Mediterranean plants, olive trees like hot, dry summers once established, and they enjoy cool but not severe winters. They prefer a temperature range of 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but will survive as long as temperatures don’t dip below freezing. That said, there are cold-resistant varieties that can handle chillier weather. 

How to Prune an Olive Tree

Prune with restraint, experts warn. “Olives fruit on the previous year’s wood, so if you cut too hard, you’ll sacrifice your harvest,” says Meekins. Instead, thin the canopy lightly to let sunlight and air in and remove dead or diseased wood. For young trees, he recommends minimal shaping in the first four years, pruning just enough to establish a strong form. “The first few times you prune are the most important, because this will have the biggest impact on the tree’s shape and encourage additional branching.”

However, it’s also best to err on the side of caution by hiring an expert. “We recommend having a professional prune or trim your olive trees,” says Flood. This is because it’s best to tip-prune long olive tree branches at 30 to 36 inches during the first season to encourage additional branching, something an expert will know how to do.

Growing an Olive Tree in Containers

If you live in a colder climate, where olive trees can’t stay outside year-round, consider planting your tree in a container. Meekins recommends dwarf varieties, such as ‘Little Ollie,’ that stay compact, around 6 to 8 feet tall. “Container trees may not fruit as heavily, but they still make striking, Mediterranean-style specimens,” he says. To plant in containers, use a large pot with excellent drainage and a gritty potting mix such as cactus soil, and place the tree in the sunniest spot you have. This way, you can move the container indoors before winter freezes. “Keep in mind that container trees have limited root space compared to trees grown in soil, so more frequent watering may be required,” Meekins adds. 

Repotting an Olive Tree

Repot container-grown olive trees every two to three years to refresh the soil and give the roots more space. You will know when the tree is ready to be repotted because the roots will start to poke through the drainage hole, and the tree will require more frequent watering. Repot it in a container that is one or two sizes bigger than the current pot.

Common Pests and Diseases

The olive fruit fly is the most serious pest that you might face with olive trees. “Females lay eggs under the skin of the fruit, and the larvae can ruin an entire crop,” Meekins says. You can monitor this pest invasion with traps or seek help from pest professionals who know how to treat it.

Scale insects are another insect you may encounter, but Meekins says they are easily treated with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. “Just be sure not to apply any oils or soaps during times of extreme heat or before it rains, otherwise you will risk burning the tree or washing away the products you applied.”

Olive trees are also susceptible to black scale insects that weaken the tree. “Good sanitation, selective pruning, and, in some cases, horticultural oils or biological controls are effective ways to keep these problems in check.”

In terms of disease, verticillium wilt, a soil fungus that causes dieback, can sometimes be a problem with olive trees. Meekins says you can avoid this problem by not planting your tree in infected soil.

Transform your patio, porch, or garden into a soothing retreat by growing these fragrant plants in pots and containers. From the sweet smell of gardenias and dianthus to the citrusy-spicy scent of mirabilis, there is a fragrance on this list for every preference. Fill a collection of pots with these flowers to create a beautiful container garden that looks and smells heavenly.

Dreaming of a fresh herb garden but short on space? No worries! You don’t need a big backyard to grow delicious herbs. With a few clever herb garden ideas for small spaces, you can easily transform any nook or cranny into a green oasis. 

Even if you only have a tiny balcony, small patio, or a couple of windowsills, you can still enjoy the benefits of a container herb garden. Think about growing rosemary, basil, and mint right outside your door. 

With some creative planning, your limited space can become a lush herb sanctuary, providing fresh ingredients for your kitchen and a delightful aroma to enjoy every day.

Choosing the Right Containers

Choosing the right containers is a big step in setting up your small space herb garden. 

Start by thinking about the size and shape of your available space. Compact planters work great for balconies, while sleek containers fit nicely on windowsills. 

The material of your pots is important too—clay, terracotta, and ceramic containers are fantastic because they let the soil breathe. 

Don’t forget drainage! Your pots need drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water from pooling and causing root rot. 

Plastic pots can also be a good choice since they are lightweight and often more budget-friendly. Just keep an eye on their drainage, as they can sometimes trap water. 

You can also get creative with repurposed containers. Old teacups, tin cans, mason jars, or wooden crates can make charming and unique planters. 

If you’re short on counter space, consider hanging baskets or wall-mounted planters to keep your herbs within easy reach.

For an herb plant that likes its own space, like mint, separate pots are best to prevent it from taking over. For others, like basil, parsley, and cilantro, you can plant a few together in one larger container. 

The key is to ensure each plant has enough room to grow.

Herb Selection for Small Gardens

Selecting the right herbs is crucial for making the most out of your small garden space. 

Herbs like basil, oregano, and chives are perfect choices because they thrive in containers and don’t require much room. 

If your garden area doesn’t get a lot of direct sunlight, you can opt for shade-tolerant herbs such as parsley, mint, and sage. 

For a versatile and hardy option, consider thyme and dill, which can adapt well to varying light conditions. These herbs will not only add fresh flavors to your dishes but also bring a pleasant aroma to your space. 

Planting a mix of these herbs will give you a good variety for cooking and garnishing.

When planting, be mindful of each herb’s specific needs. For instance, mint tends to spread quickly, so it’s best to plant it in its own container to prevent it from overtaking other herbs. 

On the other hand, basil and parsley can share a larger pot if you’re tight on space. This way, you can make the most of your small area without compromising the health of your plants.

With the right selection, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh herbs even in the coziest of spaces, turning your limited garden area into a thriving herb haven.

Maximizing Vertical Space

When it comes to small space gardening, making the most of vertical space is a game-changer. 

Think about adding shelves or wall-mounted planters to keep your pots off the ground and create a lush, green wall. This not only saves floor space but also makes your herb garden more accessible and visually appealing. 

Hanging gardens are another fantastic way to use vertical space. You can use macramé hangers or repurpose old materials and hooks to create a hanging herb garden that adds charm to your space. 

You can hang them from the ceiling or a ladder. Imagine reaching up to snip fresh rosemary or lavender from a hanging pot—so convenient!

If you’re into DIY projects, consider building a vertical planter using an old wooden pallet. This can be a fun weekend project and will give you a unique piece to showcase your herbs. 

You can also use stackable pots or tiered planters to layer your herbs vertically.

Another smart idea is to use railing planters if you have a balcony. These planters can hang off the side, giving you extra room to grow your favorite herbs without taking up any ground space.

By thinking vertically, you can significantly increase your growing area, making it possible to cultivate a wide variety of herbs even in the smallest spaces.

Caring for Your Container Herb Garden

Taking good care of your container herb garden is essential to keeping your plants happy and healthy. 

Start with watering—most herbs prefer their soil to be slightly moist, so check the soil regularly and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Over-watering can be just as harmful as under-watering, so it’s important to find the right balance. 

Fertilizing your herbs every few weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer will promote robust growth. Be mindful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to weak plants. A little boost now and then is all your herbs need to thrive.

Pests and diseases can sometimes find their way to your herb garden, even in small spaces. Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of trouble, such as yellowing leaves or tiny holes. 

Natural remedies like neem oil can help keep these issues at bay without introducing harmful chemicals to your garden.

Don’t forget to trim and harvest your herbs regularly. This provides you with fresh ingredients and encourages the plants to grow bushier and healthier. Pruning helps prevent the herbs from becoming leggy and keeps them looking their best.

By paying attention to these simple care tips, your container herb garden will flourish, offering fresh, aromatic herbs right at your fingertips.

Creative Ideas for Indoor Herb Gardens

Indoor herb gardens offer a fantastic way to bring a bit of nature indoors, making your space both greener and more functional. 

Think about using your kitchen windowsill to grow easy-to-reach herbs like basil or parsley. This keeps fresh flavors at your fingertips while cooking. 

Get creative with your planters—stylish containers can double as decor pieces. Choose ones that match your home’s style for a seamless look. 

Grouping herbs in similar-themed pots creates a cohesive vibe, while mismatched vintage containers add a charming, eclectic touch.

Hanging gardens are another great idea that not only saves counter space but also makes your home look inviting. If you’re into DIY projects, consider crafting your own vertical herb garden for a fun and rewarding project that provides a unique display for your herbs.

For those with very limited space, try growing herbs in small pots on shelves or even on the top of your fridge. 

By incorporating these creative ideas, you can enjoy a flourishing indoor herb garden that adds fresh, aromatic flavors to your meals and a touch of green to your home.

Container Garden Inspiration

Vertical Hanging Garden

This idea doesn’t come to us as a DIY project…but it could be. Think about it, first, you build a frame, then using hooks at the top and bottom, attach lengths of chain. The original planters are actually ammo cans, but a similar version of the DIY Network’s idea could work. Then, you’d just attach them to the chain via threaded rods and nuts. Right??? Gorgeous!! For more pictures of the eye-popping garden where this vertical garden is located visit Style Carrot.

Outdoor Hanging Garden

This hanging garden maximizes space and can accomodate growing serval herbs in one place

Tower of Herbs

Martha offers this great tower-of-herbs project using terra cotta pots. It would be PERFECT for a patio or deck.

Hanging Herb Mason Jars Garden

A charming yet simple herb garden from Mary Ann @ Domestially Designed.

How to: Make a DIY Modern Planter Box for Under $40

Give your home some curb appeal by creating this simple DIY modern flower box this summer

Wall-mounted Herb Garden

Take advantage of the vertical space on the side of your house by making this fun wall-mounted herb garden out of cans and metal cleats. Get the how-to here. Photo: Simple Stylings

Hanging Planter Herb Garden

Create a beautiful hanging planter out of a basket, and fill it with all of your favorite herbs and even some cherry tomatoes. Get the tutorial over at HGTV. Photo: HGTV

Pallet Herb Garden

Pallets are always a great option… find out how to turn a pallet into a fun chalkboard-labeled herb garden here. Photo: 99 Pallets

Basket Herb Garden

Here’s a fun one… turn a couple of baskets or reusable bags into unique herb planters! Find out more over here. Photo: Ideal Home

Hanging Shoe Organizer

Turn a hanging shoe organizer into an herb garden! This is a great option for those with very limited space. Learn more here. Photo: Good Housekeeping

Ikea Hack

This IKEA hack by yours truly is a clever way to reinvent the IKEA Vurm wine rack… check out the full tutorial here. Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

Submerged Herb Containers

Here’s a modern way of planting herbs in the garden, containing them in large planters submerged underground. Photo via: Do It Yourself

Window Box

A window box is another great herb garden idea… it adds greenery to the outside of your house, and you can also easily access it from inside. Photo: Bless My Weeds

Wine Crate Planters

Wine crates make great planters too… ask your local wine shop if they have any they’re throwing out. Photo via: Natural Garden Ideas

Upcycled Tin Can Herb Garden

Plain old tin cans can be painted and turned into fun windowsill planters. Check out the Manomano blog for the tutorial. Photo: Manomano

Kitchen Island Herb Planter

Renovating your kitchen? Have your contractor create a small planter in the center of your island! Photo via: Deavita

Modern Vertical Hanging Herb Garden

For a modern, space-saving vertical garden idea. Photo: Suzie Frazier

Hanging Rail Herb Garden

Take advantage of the unused space at the end of your kitchen cabinets, by hanging a rail with potted herbs. Photo via: Top Inspirations

Leaning Pallet Garden

Here’s another great way to use a pallet… simply mount potted herbs to it and lean it up against a railing. Photo:  Good Housekeeping

Rain Gutter Herb Garden

This might be my favorite… attach rain gutters to the side of your house and plant herbs inside. Just don’t forget to punch drainage holes in the bottom! Photo via: Inspire Bohemia

Pre-made Planters

If you’re not in the mood to DIY, you can buy this wall-mounted garden pre-made. Photo: Primrose

Caddy Planters

Here’s another clever one… fill a caddy with plants, putting a different herb in each section. This one is handy because you can carry it inside to harvest the herbs. Photo: Unsophisticook

Tiered Herb Garden

Stack different sized buckets on top of one another for this clever tiered herb garden. Check out the tutorial here. Photo: The Vintage Wren

Colorful Planter Boxes

And last but certainly not least… add some pizzazz to your boring fence with colorful herb planter boxes! Get the how-to here. [Photo: Not Just A Housewife]