Choose a sunny location with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily
Plant in well-draining soil
Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged areas
Use a pot with drainage holes if growing in a container
Select a healthy olive tree variety suited to your climate
Plant in spring after the last frost
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball
Place the tree at the same depth it was growing before
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly
Space trees properly if planting more than one
Water deeply but infrequently
Let the soil dry slightly between waterings
Reduce watering once the tree is established
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring if needed
Mulch around the base without touching the trunk
Prune annually to shape the tree and remove dead branches
Protect young trees from hard frost
Monitor for pests and diseases regularly
Harvest olives when they reach the desired ripeness
Repot container-grown trees every few years
Keep the tree in a warm, sheltered spot in cold climates