Growing a lemon tree in your backyard may seem like a great idea, and it is! With a minimal amount of effort, you can create a backyard oasis of flavorful fruit and beautifully scented blossoms. But before you head to the gardening center, take the time to understand what you need to do to be successful in your lemon tree growing endeavors.
It is important to remember that the lemon tree requires plenty of sunlight to thrive. You will need to choose an area in your backyard which gets full sun exposure for 8-10 hours a day in order to give the tree the best chance of success. The tree will also require a lot of water – up to an inch of water each week – but be careful not to over-water it as this can lead to root rot.
The soil you choose for your lemon tree is also important. Look for soil with a higher pH balance – around 7 is ideal – and make sure it is rich in nitrogen and other minerals, as this will ensure healthy growth. Additionally, adding mulch, manure and compost to the soil will provide further nutrients for the tree.
Finally, pruning and fertilizing your lemon tree on a regular basis is an essential part of growing a healthy lemon tree. Pruning helps maintain air circulation and keeps the tree from becoming overcrowded. Aim to prune in the early summer. Fertilizing should be done during the growing season and should be a balanced fertilizer with a high nitrogen content.
Choosing the Right Lemon Tree
Choosing the right lemon tree can be a challenge, and there are a few basic pieces of information that you should consider before making your decision. Firstly, select a tree that is disease-resistant and hardy. Secondly, look into whether your region has cold winters as this could affect the survival of the lemon tree. Lastly, bear in mind that you may wish to buy a young tree, as it is less expensive, but remember that it will take longer for it to bear fruit than an older tree.
When choosing a lemon variety, it is important to bear in mind that different varieties require different amounts of energy to produce enough fruit. Keep this in mind when selecting your tree, as some lemon varieties will require extra effort on your part in terms of watering, pruning and harvesting. Popular varieties include Meyer lemons, Bearss lemons and Lisbon lemons.
Frost and extreme temperatures can also affect the fruit of your lemon tree. Research the climate in your area and whether or not the area is prone to frost or extreme temperatures. If so, you may need to consider the best way to protect your tree from these elements.
Finally, keeping pests away from your lemon tree is essential in order to maintain healthy growth and development. It is important to research the common pests in your area and look into solutions to help keep them away, such as using a natural pesticide rather than a chemical one.
Planting your Lemon Tree
Once you have chosen the right lemon tree and have the correct soil and climate conditions in your area, it is time to plant the tree. Use a pot that is one or two sizes larger than the current pot of your tree and make sure the pot has drainage holes. Fill the pot with soil and make sure that the root ball is slightly higher than the soil level to account for the settling of the soil. firm the soil around the tree and water the tree to roughly an inch in depth.
Be sure to keep an eye on your lemon tree during the first few weeks after planting. This is a crucial time and the tree needs special attention. Check the soil daily to ensure it is neither too wet nor too dry, and keep an eye out for signs of pests and any other problems. If you notice any issues, address them immediately.
Once the tree has settled into its new home, ensure that it continues to receive proper amounts of water and sunlight in order to maintain healthy growth. Adding a layer of mulch around the pot can help keep the tree’s roots cool and can prevent weeds from growing around the tree.
It is also important to provide your lemon tree with enough nutrients in order to promote its growth. Fertilizing is a must and should be done in the springtime and again in the summer. You can use an all-purpose fertilizer or one specifically designed for citrus trees.
Caring for your Lemon Tree
Once you have planted your lemon tree and taken care of it during the settling in period, it is time to begin regular maintenance and care. Pruning is an essential part of caring for a lemon tree, as it helps to shape the tree and maintain air circulation and sunlight access. Generally pruning should be done in the early summer before the growth period begins.
Additionally, you should keep an eye out for any signs of pests or diseases and take preventative action as soon as possible. To do this, inspect your tree regularly and if you notice any signs of pests, use natural pesticides and soaps as an effective way to control them. Common pests to watch out for include aphids, scale insects and mites.
Monitoring the soil moisture levels is also an important element of care and water the tree when the soil is dry. Be careful not to overwater the tree, however, as this can lead to root rot. Additionally, you may wish to consider adding microorganisms to the soil which can help promote healthy growth and will also help maintain a balanced and nutrient-rich soil.
Finally, looking after your own health while tending to the lemon tree is of great importance and you should wear protective clothing such as gloves and masks to protect yourself from potential health hazards. Additionally, be aware of any potential hazards around the tree such as sharp tools, pesticides and electrical wiring.
Harvesting and Storing Lemons
Harvesting their own lemons is one of the greatest rewards of growing a lemon tree. As the tree begins to bear fruit, understanding how to properly pick it and store it will ensure optimal flavor and freshness. Generally lemons should be picked when they are still green and soft to the touch, as this will maximize sweetness. None of the green should have turned yellow yet. Any lemons that remain on the tree after picking should continue to grow until they are ready for the next round of harvesting.
Storing lemons properly is also important if you wish to get the most out of them. Keeping them in the fridge is best, as this will help them retain their freshness longer. You can also freeze lemons in a ziplock bag or by blending them into a puree and storing it in an ice cube tray.
If you are planning on using the lemons for recipes or beverages, you should consider juicing them and storing them in the refrigerator in an ice-cube tray. This way, you will have freshly squeezed lemon juice ready when needed. Similarly, you can also slice the lemons and freeze them in the same way.
Finally, you may wish to consider preserving your lemons by pickling or canning them. As this procedure is longer and more complicated, it is recommended to research it further before attempting to do this.
