Remembering to water and fertilize your lemon trees with care is not only crucial but will help result in consistently healthy, attractive trees, as well as a quality harvest. Follow these simple but important steps to grow and take care of the lemon tree you've always wanted.
1. Purchase a lemon variety adapted to your area. Most lemon trees are very sensitive to frost and grow best where winters are mild.
2. Plant the tree in a warm, sunny area where the soil drains well. Planting next to a house or under an eave will provide some frost protection.
3. Water the tree deeply once every 7 to 10 days in midsummer (newly planted trees may need more frequent watering until established). Water less often if it rains or if the weather is cool.
4. Apply 2 to 3 inches of organic matter under the canopy of the tree to conserve moisture.
5. Fertilize every four to six weeks from February to August.
6. Prune trees every year or two to keep them within bounds and easy to pick. Cut back new growth by one-fourth to one-third.
7. Protect trees from frost if temperatures are forecast to drop below 30 degrees F.
8. Harvest lemons when fruit reaches full size and color. Timing will vary by variety and growing area.
Source: ehow.com (eHow Home & Garden EditorThis article was created by a professional writer and edited by experienced copy editors, both qualified members of the Demand Media Studios community. All articles go through an editorial process that includes subject matter guidelines, plagiarism review, fact-checking, and other steps in an effort to provide reliable information.)
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