Tag: caring for lemon trees

Grow your own Meyer Lemon Tree

I just posted earlier today about some different foliage that Marvin Gardens featured at this year’s Philadelphia International Flower Show. That made me think about all of the other plants that we featured, of which my favorite has to be the Meyer Lemon Tree.

Meyer Lemon Trees bear large, juicy, thick-skinned lemons at an early age. But even if there were no lemons to bear, with its glossy leaves, white flowers and intense fragrant, it would still be attractive enough to grow anyway. And if space is an issue for you, they are small enough for urban balconies and limited-space gardens.

Caring for a Meyer Lemon Tree…

Most single citrus tree should be pruned so that it is smaller at the top, and bigger at the bottom, allowing for more surface area to receive sunlight. The popular instructional website eHow.com actually has a great article on how to care for a Meyer Lemon Tree.

One more thing…if you like to add a little lemon to your water, once you harvest your tree (and prior to pruning, of course) you can freeze your fresh squeezed lemon juice in ice cube trays. This is a terrific way to serve water with a hint of tart lemon juice. If you’re interested in more info on how you can grow your own Meyer Lemon Tree, contact us here at Marvin Garden.

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