Picking a ripe, juicy lemon off its tree is an art and a science rolled into one. There is an exact moment of ripeness and timing when to pick that lemon. Many gardeners who want to pick their own lemons may not always know when to pick the lemons off the tree. Here’s a guide to help with the perfect-lemons picking plan.
It all starts with identifying a healthy lemon tree, as it’s the only way to ensure good lemons yielding. Look for pruned leaves, branches that are full of flowers, and healthy fruits. When the flowers bloom, they will turn into lemons and they’ll be ready to pick when the color changes from green to yellow.
It’s essential to get the timing right. Too early, and the lemons may be sour and dry. too late, and they’ll be overripe and heading towards rot. If the lemon isn’t quite yellow, give it an extra week or two for it to ripen as needed. Ripeness also depends on the variety of the lemon, so keep an eye on the season and the type of lemon.
The best way to determine the ripeness of a lemon is by feeling it. Lemons should be firm and slightly heavy, with a waxy and slightly textured feel. Checking the bottom of the lemon and looking for a yellow hue helps, but using your feel is the best indicator. Soft and spongy lemons are overripe, and should not be picked.
Lastly, use a knife or a pair of scissors for picking. A gentle twist should easily break the stem, otherwise it’s not yet ready for picking. Picking can damage the lemon tree and even your fingers if done incorrectly, so it’s best to use professional tools. Prepare a large basket or container for the picked lemons, as you don’t want them immersed in water or exposed to the sun for too long.
Harvesting Tips for Picking Lemons
When harvesting lemons, it’s important to keep cleanliness in mind to avoid damaging the other fruits. Promptly pick any lemon that looks damaged or diseased, even if it’s not intended for those days’ harvest. It’s important to check the lemons, too, as extra care should be taken to remove any leaves, twigs, and other foreign objects that may have had a chance to attach to the lemon.
Although it is recommended to harvest lemons when they are ripe and soft, if you’re planning on using them after a few days or weeks, you may also pick them while they’re still slightly green. During storage, they will reach ripeness, but avoid buying lemons from the store that are already very green, as they may never fully ripen.
When harvesting, choose the lemons carefully, treating the tree with respect for its fragility. Select those that are easily detached with just a light twist. Avoid squeezing them or pulling them too hard, as this can bruise the lemons and damage the tree.
Proper Storage for Your Pickled Lemons
Storing your freshly picked lemons is just as important as picking them. Immediately place the picked lemons into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. This will prevent them from becoming overripe, tasteless, and moldy.
A common mistake is storing the fruits in plastic bags or paper bags. These materials will not create the right environment for the lemons, as they need more air circulation. If you store them in a plastic bag, make sure to use one with medium-sized slots which will provide plenty of ventilation.
Keep the lemons away from other fruits and vegetables, as they can easily pick up ethylene, a naturally occurring ripening gas. If you want to keep your lemons for an extended period of time, you can freeze them for up to six months. Make sure to blanch the lemons to prevent their peel from becoming bitter when defrosted.
Uses For Picked Lemons
Lemons are a versatile fruit that offer many uses. From cooking to cleaning, lemons provide an array of significant purposes. Picked lemons can be used for making lemon juice, lemonade, jams, sauces, pickles, and salads dressings. You can also use the zest to flavor baked goods, teas, and even cocktails.
Lemons are one of the most commonly used home remedies and they have numerous benefits. Lemon juice is a natural antiseptic, it can boost energy and digestion, and it can help to reduce cravings. Lemons are also known for their disinfectant properties, and they can be used to clean kitchen surfaces, remove stains, and even to freshen clothes up.
In addition, they form an essential ingredient in many beauty and skin care treatments, such as lemon masks, creams, and scrubs. Used as a natural whitener and antiseptic, you can use lemon juice on its own or mixed with other ingredients.
The Benefits of Growing Your Own Lemons
Growing your own lemon tree is not only a rewarding hobby, it is also a great way to eat healthy and naturally. Lemons are full of fiber and vitamins and minerals, making them one of the most nutrient-rich foods available.
Growing your own lemon tree also saves money in the long run. You will not have to buy lemons from the store and you can reap the rewards of your labour without the cost. Moreover, an indoor lemon tree is an elegant addition to any room and a great talking point.
Growing your own lemon tree also has the environmental benefits; an indoor tree means that you don’t have to worry about the use of pesticides or chemicals, as you would with fruits picked from a store. Additionally, buying lemons from a store requires additional plastic packaging, which further contributes to pollution.
Ultimately, growing your own lemon tree is a great way to enjoy the sweetness of freshly picked lemons and guarantee that they are natural and of the highest quality. Additionally, it is an avenue to take part in a fulfilling activity that is also beneficial to the environment.
Maintaining Your Lemon Trees
Citrus trees have a specific set of care needs, so it’s important to be familiar with them in order to keep your tree healthy. Lemons need at least six hours of direct sunlight every day and plenty of water. Citrus trees get most of their water needs from rainfall, but in order to maintain a steady supply of water you may need to supplement during the dryer months.
It is also important to prune your tree correctly; excess growth can easily outcompete the fruiting branches and cause fruit to be wasted. Prune back any dead or damaged branches, or any branches that are growing away from the center of the tree. Last but not least, fertilize your lemon tree to keep your tree fully nourished and healthy.
These simple tips will ensure that your lemon tree flourishes and is healthy for years to come. With a little bit of effort, you can enjoy countless lemons year-round.
Disease and Pest Prevention in Lemon Trees
Like all garden plants, lemon trees can suffer from pests and diseases which can threaten the health and wellbeing of the fruit produced. It is important to familiarize yourself with the causes of these issues and the steps that must be taken to prevent them. The most common issues are fungal and bacterial infections caused by fungi and bacteria, as well as insects and their larvae.
These problems can be treated using a number of methods. Firstly, ensure that the soil is well drained and not too wet. Secondly, regularly check for any signs of infection, such as spots and discolored branches or leaves, and take relevant action as soon as possible. Thirdly, remove any fallen leaves and fruits, as these can exacerbate the issues.
It is also important to prune the lemon tree correctly. Pruning should done carefully, in order to remove the dead or damaged branches and those that are growing away from the center of the tree. Additionally, ensure that the limbs are kept evenly spaced, and any too heavily pruned should be immediately treated.
Finally, it is important to regularly apply a pesticide or fungicide to the tree, in order to prevent any potential pests and diseases. This will help to protect the lemon tree and ensure that it produces an abundant and healthy crop of lemons.
