There are many elements to growing olives that greatly affect their taste and quality. High-density olive groves are commonly subjected to fertilizers, chemicals, and pesticides to encourage mass production. While this method can yield greater volumes, these substances have a direct and negative impact on the health and quality of the fruit, or ‘drupe.’The ideal growing conditions for olives include well-fed composted soil, properly irrigated fields, organic or holistic pest and weed control, regular pruning and mulching, and the right climatological conditions. Olive trees thrive in a climate where the summer is long, hot and dry, and the winter is cool.