Different people find solace in different things. Some like adventures, while others prefer lazing around. A few people seek quietness to read books, some others do workouts to keep themselves fit, and the rest enjoy going back to their home decor and design to tweak them a bit. Those who love keeping their shelters up-to-date search for more and more ideas to beautify their nests better than the last time. This constant urge to improvise the aesthetics or functionality of their house keeps them engaged. After all, it is their universe, and they express their love for it by doing new things.
Interestingly, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a significant change. Even minor upgrades make them happy. For instance, buying a new sink for the kitchen can be thrilling. What’s your hobby or passion? Do you enjoy gardening? If you love growing plants and trees, here are some suggestions for raising a lemon tree inside and outside the house. One may ask why lemons and not something else. While you can grow thousands of plants and trees on your property, having homegrown lemons can be a unique feeling. You can use this fragrant citrus fruit in tonics, gins, juices, and other drinks. Also, fresh lemons surpass the quality of ones you purchase from supermarkets. You can notice the difference when you use them in your bakes, lemonades, and other cooking recipes.
Then, summer will be approaching soon after spring. And lemon trees flourish in warm weather and sunshine. You can grow them in cool weather, also. Use pots and indoor areas for them during colder months. When cared for properly, the tree kisses your home and garden area with its bright yellow fruits and green leaves. Hence, it can be worth a try to plant this tree on your property. Are you game? Let’s see what you can do.
Outdoor lemon tree plantation techniques
These are suitable for subtropical and tropical regions where temperatures are usually high, with the sun shining at its brightest. To grow it in the outside space throughout the year, you must be in 9 to 11 USDA zones with warmer temperatures. Lemon trees need 77˚F to 86˚F (25˚C -30˚C) temperatures for their growth. Since this may be out of the question in many areas, your plants can be happy even in conditions measuring 55˚F to 70˚F (12˚C to 21˚C). Fifty-five degrees is for the night, and 70 degrees is for the day. The fruits come out well when exposed to balmy weather of 20˚C or 68˚F for about six months. So, scout for a sunny site in the garden where your tree gets sunlight for at least 6-8 hours daily.
Leaves and stems die if the temperature drops below -3˚C or 26˚F. Lower temperatures can make the tree dormant, and they may give in before the frosts. Luckily, lemon trees can grow in most soil types, but slightly acidic and well-drained matter can be much better. You can consider sandy loam and loamy soil for this. Since drainage is critical for lemon tree roots, these varieties work best.
Another thing is the depth of the plant, whether you install it in a pot or ground. The hole should be 1.5 bigger than the root part of the tree, and its depth should be slightly more. Top it with mulch and nutrients.
Indoor lemon tree plantation techniques
Don’t lose hope just because your region doesn’t enjoy a tropical climate for the entire year. You can grow them inside your house even in colder months. You get dwarf lemon tree varieties that offer the perfect solution to your needs. However, they need sunlight for about eight hours daily. If your porch is frost-free, it can be an ideal spot for the tree. Or, you can plant it in the south or southwest direction. Artificial lighting can be additional help for the tree. Make sure to grow it away from heaters and air conditioners. After all, too much heat or cold can hamper them.
Some people plant their lemon trees during late spring after the frost has gone and outdoor temperatures have increased. Indoor plants need proper ventilation. So, keep all vents and windows open. You can also show the indoor tree some sunshine outside. But it has to be a gradual process. Otherwise, the tree can get a shock, and its leaves may burn due to sudden exposure to the full sun. You can bring it back when the outdoor temperature nears 10˚C or 50˚F to protect the tree from cold.
Some insights about lemon tree plantation
These citrus trees need a balanced amount of water to grow as they are sensitive to excess wetness. So, wait for the soil to turn dry before watering the plant. You can assess the soil for dryness by putting your fingers inside the pot. Or check the pot’s weight. It will feel lighter if the soil is dry. When you water, the force can be heavy to allow smooth drainage through the holes. The plant needs more water once or twice weekly during the summer months. Winter months reduce this work. Gardeners suggest keeping the plant dry during cold months if you live in an incredibly colder region. Then, fertilization is a critical step. You can feed your tree once in two weeks during spring and weekly in the summer. In fall and winter, you can add fertilizer monthly.
Some people ask questions about the suitable pot size for this type of plant. Gardeners say that these plants can grow well in a twenty-inch-wide container. Large pots can be unfavorable for their growth. Also, pay attention to their health – yellow leaves indicate a nutrient deficiency or wet soil issues.
It is normal to wonder how fast or slow your lemon tree can grow, especially if you have never planted one. These slow-growing trees can take ten to fifteen years to grow to their optimum height in outdoor areas. However, you can get fruits even from a five-year-old tree. Are you going to try this? Gardening has many health benefits. Hence, it can be exciting to indulge in this.