Lemon Tree, Oh Lemon Tree

“Lemon tree, very pretty, and the lemon flower is sweet/
But the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat”

While these lyrics from the  illustrious 1960 song “Lemon Tree” by Will Holt suggest that  lemons aren’t ideal for the taste palate, this zesty fruit is one of the most-used for culinary purposes (among many others) throughout the world. In fact, amongst all citrus trees planted and harvested for fruit across the United States, lemon trees are the most popular. And when it comes to aesthetics, they add a touch of tropical beauty to any backdrop.

If you’re thinking of growing one in your own backyard, keep this list of Lemon Tree Care Tips from eHow.com handy:

• Use a shovel and soil (leftover from the hole or somewhere else) to construct a watering ring surrounding the newly transplanted lemon tree. Pile up the soil to create a wall around the tree that measures at least 2 feet in diameter.

• Fill the ring with water and allow draining. Continue to water the new lemon tree every other day for two weeks and then water it weekly, until the water ring naturally disappears into the soil. After this time, only water the lemon tree when the top 1 or 2 inches of soil dries.

• Add a 3- to 6-inch layer of mulch around the new lemon tree to deter weeds and to maintain moist soil conditions. Keep the mulch at least 1 foot away from the trunk of the tree and extend it out to a diameter of 3 feet.

• Apply a small amount of citrus fertilizer around the lemon tree once growth begins. Repeat each six weeks through summer. Water the lemon tree after fertilizing to ensure the nutrients reach the soil.

• Inspect the lemon tree often for any signs of diseases or pests. Check the entire tree for any changes in appearance. Contact your area extension office to identify the problem and to learn about the treatment required.

Do you have a lemon tree in your own yard?

Photo Credit: Club Algarve

How To Care for Your Fig Tree

Contrary to popular belief, the fig tree is not a difficult tree to grow. In fact, they are among the simplest fruit trees to care for! Whether you’re a gardener who prefers contained or underground plants, the versatility of this beautiful specimen will be perfect for your plot. To help guide you though the process of fig ownership — from selection to planting and then straight on through to fruit picking — eHow.com has put together a quick fig tree how-to guide for those of you interested in adding one to your garden this year.

From eHow.com:

• Choose a fig tree variety that will do well in your climate. Figs can be grown as far north as the coast of Long Island, but most do best in a warm climate, such as southern California.

• Select a location for planting. Figs need some sun to propagate well and do best in full sun. The roots are vigorous so keep the tree away from septic tanks and sewer lines.

• Start a tree from a hardwood cutting by taking a stem with three or four joints and place it in a container with well-drained soil. Keep the cuttings wet, but not too wet.

• Remove the suckers that form at the fig tree’s ground level. The pruning of a fig tree is less work if you let it grow in a bush style rather than a single trunk.

• Fertilize if you want to increase your fig yield. The fig tree does well without fertilization, but feeding the tree will increase its fruit production. If you’re going to fertilize, do it during the growing season from spring until late summer. Spread it around the base of each tree once a month and then water it thoroughly.

• Water every week to every three weeks during dry spells depending on the soil.

Contact Marvin Gardens for more plant-care tips or e-mail MarvinGardensUSA@gmail.com.

Photo Credit: MyOpera

The 13 Best Summer-Blooming Shrubs

Wondering what shrubs to add to your garden this summer that don’t require a ton of upkeep?  There are plenty to choose from! Better Homes and Gardens has put together a list of some of the best summer-blooming plants that will add color and elegance and are also pretty easy to grow. Here are a few of our favorites! Click here to see the entire article form Better Homes and Gardens.

Carolina Allspice

Bluebeard Shrub

Photo Credit: BHG

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