Knowing how much to water your lemon tree can be tricky. Lemon trees require slightly different watering needs than most plants, depending on the season and your soil type. In general, you want to water your lemon tree deeply and infrequently. The best way is to check and feel the soil moisture with your finger. Depending on how much rain and humidity you get, you may need to water your lemon tree every 7-10 days.
One way to water your tree correctly is to slowly pour a few gallons of water near the base of the tree until the soil is saturated. Make sure it is evenly distributed over the root ball. This will allow the tree to drink in enough water so that it drains off and out of the root ball. Once the soil is completely saturated, you can move on to the next area.
It is important to avoid over-watering your lemon tree as too much water can suffocate the tree’s roots, leading to fungi growth which can cause root rot. Make sure that you wait until the soil dries out before watering your tree again. This may be every 7-10 days in dry weather, or every 15 days or more in wetter climates.
You also need to make sure that you provide enough water during the summer months when the tree needs it the most. This is especially true for lemon trees planted in containers or pots, as they require more regular watering. Generally, you should water every 7-10 days or when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Another way to check if your tree needs to be watered is to check the weight of the pot. When the soil is wet, the pot should be heavy; when dry, the pot will feel light. If the pot feels light, give it some water. Also, pay attention to the leaves and make sure that they do not start to turn yellow or brown, which could be a sign of lack of water.
You also need to make sure that you fertilize your lemon tree every 6-8 weeks. This will ensure that your tree has enough nutrients to survive and thrive. A good organic fertilizer should be used, as chemical fertilizers can cause harm to the tree and its fruit.
Watering Your Lemon Tree During Winter Months
During the winter months, you should reduce the amount of water you give your lemon tree. This is because the tree will be dormant and doesn’t need as much water. Generally, you should reduce the amount of time between waterings to every 14-21 days. Additionally, make sure that you do not fertilize your lemon tree in the winter months as this can cause damage to the tree.
If there are freezing temperatures in your area, you should cover your tree with a frost blanket. This will help to protect the tree from the cold and wind and should be removed during the day so that the sun can get through to the leaves.
You should also make sure that your tree is getting enough sun during the winter months. Lemon trees need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If the weather is cloudy or gray, you should move the tree to an area with more sunlight, even if it’s indoors.
Watering During Hot Summers
During the hot summer months, you should increase the amount of water you give your tree. You should make sure that you are watering your tree every 7-10 days or when the soil feels dry to the touch. A good indication of whether the tree needs water is to check the weight of the pot. When the soil is wet, the pot will be quite heavy. When it’s dry, the pot will be light. If the pot is light, give it some water.
Additionally, you should make sure that your tree is getting enough sunlight during these months. Lemon trees need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If the weather is cloudy or gray, you should move the tree to an area with more sunlight, even if it’s indoors.
Finally, make sure that you are fertilizing your tree during the summer months. A good organic fertilizer should be used, as chemical fertilizers can cause harm to the tree and its fruit. Fertilize your tree every 6-8 weeks and you should notice big changes in the trees health.
Conclusion
Knowing how much to water your lemon tree is an important part of tree care. Generally, you want to water your tree deeply and infrequently, about every 7-10 days during the summer months and every 14-21 days during the winter months. It is also important to make sure that your tree is getting enough sunlight and fertilization during these times. By following these steps, you should have a healthy and happy lemon tree for years to come.
