When Grandma gifts you a lemon tree PDF download, it is likely to come with a great sense of responsibility to care for the tree properly. From proper soil pH, to amount of light and water exposure, a newly planted tree has many needs that must be met. Grandma’s thoughtful gesture gives you a way to ensure the tree thrives for years to come.
Understanding Environment Requirements
Prior to planting a lemon tree, you should become familiar with the environment it needs in order to grow in an optimal fashion. Research what type of soil the tree will fare best in, if it should be placed in direct or indirect light, or what type of light is preferable. Knowing these requirements shortens your learning curve, ensuring the lemon tree will find a happy home in your yard.
In addition, learning what kind of fertilizer is ideal for the tree is a must. Most gardeners recommend nitrogen-rich fertilizer specifically tailored for citrus trees. With the right blend of fertilizer, the tree is sure to respond favorably with succulent lemons.
Also factor in the citrus tree’s sensitivity to temperature. While many varieties can survive sub-freezing temperatures, some are hardy enough to withstand temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C). If your region has colder winters, look for a type of lemon tree that can handle cold winter temperatures.
Finally, be mindful of the tree’s water requirements. If overwatered, a lemon tree can become stressed or even die. However, not enough water can also cause the lemon tree to become sick and die, so be sure to find the balance between too much and too little water.
Taking Appropriate Prevention Measures
Insects and pathogens can make quick work of a newly planted lemon tree. Take appropriate prevention measures as soon as you plant the tree. Make an informed decision on which type of insecticide to use. While chemical insecticides will get the job done, there are many natural, organic insecticides out there that can achieve the same result without any adverse side effects.
Pathogens can also be controlled with fungicides, as long as you choose the right type. When in doubt, seek the advice of an experienced horticulturist. Taking the right steps to give your lemon tree the best chance of success is likely your grandma’s wish, and engaging the guidance of an expert makes this wish comes true.
In addition to these preventive measures, regular maintenance is needed to be sure your tree stays healthy. Monitor your tree for signs of illness, such as discolored leaves, leaf drop, or dying branches. If you notice these signs, be sure to quickly address the matter before it spreads too far.
Also pay attention to the amount of sunlight your tree is receiving. Too much light can leave the tree scorched and unhealthy. Too little light will stunt the tree’s growth. Managing the tree’s light exposure correctly is just as important as pest control.
Harvesting and Preservation
When it comes time to harvest your lemons, use sharp pruning shears that are sterilized. This prevents the spread of bacteria and other micro-organisms between trees. Once harvested, the lemons must be handled with care, as too much handling can lead to bruising. To extend their shelf life, be sure to store the lemons in a cool, dry place. Additionally, certain fruits may be candied or canned for longer-term storage.
One of the best parts of caring for a lemon tree is discovering new and creative ways to use the lemons. From lemon jam, to lemon-infused simple syrup and more, your Grandma’s lemon tree ensures a diverse array of flavor options. Of course, the lemon tree can also be enjoyed in its natural form, allowing you to simply pluck a handful of lemons off the tree and enjoy their sweet tartness without any further processing.
Making Your Tree Unique
Caring for your Grandma’s lemon tree is a gratifying way to both honor her and keep her legacy alive. As your tree has sentimental value, think of ways to make it stand out amongst other trees. Decorate the tree with ornaments during the holidays, or find artful baskets or planters for displaying the lemons, unique to your tree.
You may also enjoy searching for distinct lemon tree varieties, such as Meyer Variegatas, Gulshan Gardener, or Meyer Shirota, to refine your tree’s draw. Experimenting with different hybrid trees may also be a fun way to mix things up. Moreover, you can make hybrid lemon trees that are self-pollinating, but bear the same type of fruit, allowing you to make the most of your gardening space.
Cutting and Propagating
If you want to expand the reach of your Grandma’s lemon tree, cutting and propagating are viable options. Cutting involves taking a healthy branch from the tree and using it to propagate a new tree. To successfully propagate a tree in this way, the cut should be made at an angle, and the removed branch should be placed in an acidic, sandy medium. Make sure to keep the new cutting moist until the roots have had time to form, then water the new tree once a week.
Of course, if you want to create a clone of your Grandma’s tree, you can always opt for air layering. With air layering, you do not need to dig up the tree or remove it from the pot. You simply target a spot below the lower branches where there is enough room for a plastic bag to fit, making sure its edges are closed. Moisten the leaves in the bag and the stem inside until an already-formed root system has developed, and the new plant is ready for its own pot.
Finally, make sure to label any new trees with the original lemon tree’s name and the date so you know when you propagated them. This will help you determine when they can be transplanted outdoors or when they can begin bearing fruit.
