Can one grow a lemon tree in the New Jersey climate? The answer is yes, and with proper care one can expect to enjoy both beauty and the delicious lemons a lemon tree will produce. While there are a few tricks to growing a lemon tree this far north, if you research, plan, and follow the recommended methods you may be rewarded with a lemon tree you can nurture for years.
New Jersey has a variety of climactic zones, but the growth of a lemon tree is restricted to only the warmest. Areas such as Cape May, Ocean City, and Atlantic City all provide environments that are conducive to nurturing a lemon tree. Although it’s not impossible to grow a lemon tree in other, less temperate areas, it’s best to plant in a warmer zone so that you get the best chance of success.
When you choose a location to place your lemon tree, make sure it has sufficient light exposure. Smart gardeners place their trees in the sunniest spots of the garden, as lemon trees need ample sunlight to yield a robust crop. A good rule of thumb is to place the tree in an area that gets at least 6-8 hours per day of direct sunlight. You can also supplement natural sunlight with grow lamps or grow lights.
To ensure the health of your lemon tree, it’s important to provide decent soil drainage. While lemon trees thrive in moist, well-draining soil, waterlogged ground could lead to root rot and other disorders. Any soil that does not have moderate porosity is not suitable for lemon trees.
In order to help the tree understand climate fluctuations and to extend its fruit-bearing period, it is important to use a well-cultivated fertilizer. It should comprise of coconut husk, some npk granules, earthworm vermicompost and superphosphate. Make sure the fertilizer doesn’t contain too much nitrogen, as it will make the tree leafy but could reduce the fruiting potential.
It is also important that the tree receives pruning and maintenance on a regular basis. Any dead leaves or branches should be regularly removed, as this will help it to focus its energy on fruiting. In a similar way, if the branches or leaves become too long, they should be trimmed to the desired size. Pruning helps the lemon tree produce more fruits and improves the quality of the fruits by virtue of increasing the air circulation.
Last but not least, water your lemon tree three to four times in a week during the peak growing months – April-Oct. Reduce the watering schedule during the cooler months, however, give extra attention when weather conditions become excessively hot or dry.
Growing Conditions
Given the right conditions, lemon trees can thrive in New Jersey. The tree should be placed in a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day and requires a warm climate in order to produce. Soil drainage should be checked to ensure it is well-aerated; if it is too wet, roots could rot. Fertilizers should also be applied to eggnurish the tree and help it to bloom; but too much nitrogen can cause leafy growth at the expense of fruit production.
It is also important to remember that regular pruning is necessary to ensure a good crop and to promote flower production. Dead leaves and branches should be removed, and surplus foliage should be trimmed. Pruning also helps increase air circulation for the tree and allows it to focus on yielding fruit.
Finally, lemon trees need to be watered regularly during the peak growing season and more attentively during exceptionally hot or dry periods. A three-four times a week watering schedule is sufficient, but should be adjusted depending on the weather conditions.
Varieties
There are several varieties of lemon trees available in New Jersey and the best one to grow depends on the individual gardener’s preference. Eureka lemon and Lisbon lemon trees are two good varieties for the New Jersey climate, as they produce a generous crop of fruit and have a high tolerance for chill. Meyer lemon trees are also suitable for the New Jersey climate, but may require more maintenance and are less cold-tolerant than the others.
When choosing what variety to plant, it is important to consider the type of tree size, the size of the fruits, the amount of fruit produced, the required maintenance, and the tree’s cold tolerance. With so many factors to consider, it is best to further research each variety for its pros and cons, and to consider the specific needs of your environment.
Planting
When you’re ready to start planting, make sure you select a healthy sapling. The tree should not be excessively large or small, and should be free of any damage or disease. Carefully select the right soil, as well. The ideal soil should be well-aerated, nutrient-packed, and able to retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. Compost and other organic materials should be added to improve drainage.
Once you have selected the tree and soil, it is time to begin planting. Dig a hole that is large enough to accommodate the rootball and around twice as wide as the container. Gently remove the sapling from the container and place in the center of the hole, then cover with soil and pat it down gently. Place some fertilizer in the area surrounding the tree, then water profusely and cover with a layer of mulch to help reduce evaporation and keep down weeds.
It is also important to note that newly planted trees must be regularly and consistently watered in order to establish a healthy root system and promote growth. They should be watered at least once to twice a week and more often during periods of excessively hot or dry weather.
Harvesting
Once your lemon tree is happy and healthy, it will be ready for harvest. Generally, it will take around two to three years for a lemon tree to bear fruit – simply wait for the yellow, lemon-shaped fruits to form and begin to turn a light yellow hue. The size of the fruit that can be harvested usually varies between varieties, but they should all share a familiar tart taste and tantalizing aroma.
It is worth noting that harvested citrus fruits can only be kept for a few days inside a cool, dry environment – this is because ripening can start to occur from the moment the fruits are picked. To increase the storage life of your citrus fruits, gardeners recommend that the tree is allowed to produce about four yest until mid-sized fruit before harvesting. This helps to delay any rotting.
Once harvested, the fruits should be handled carefully and stored inside cool, dark places. Refrigerators with high humidity settings are particularly effective for longer fruit storage.
Pest Control
Lemon trees are a wonderful addition to the garden, but if left unattended, can quickly become plagued by pests. Fortunately, New Jersey has a thriving pest control industry which is well prepared to tackle any bug infestations that may occur. Some of the common pests to watch out for include aphids, mites, whitefly, scale insects, earwigs, and mealybugs.
In order to control or prevent bug infestations, it is important to monitor your lemon tree regularly. If you find any visible signs of an infestation, contact your local pest control expert immediately. They will be able to give you advice on how to handle the issue, as well as provide you with the necessary tools and treatments to eradicate the insects.
It is also important to keep your garden clean, as insect eggs can often lurk in dead leaves and other decaying plant material. To help deter bugs, apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree and prune off any twigs or leaves that may harbor insects.
While bug infestations can sometimes be more than a nuisance, lemon trees grown in New Jersey can be productive and ornamental additions to your garden. With careful research, planning, and adequate the right care, you can expect to enjoy the lemons your tree produces for many years to come.
