New Lemon Tree
 

Hello everyone, I am quite new to gardening! Iv only grown some easy things like runner beans and some strawberrys before!

I like in Yeovil, Somerset and have just bought a seedling lemon tree!! just looking for some advice on keeping it please??? Never had one before, dont no if it needs to be inside or outside or anything else!!
it is literally a leaf at the moment!

Any help appreciated!!

toby

New Lemon Tree
 

Tobes77 wrote:
Hello everyone, I am quite new to gardening! Iv only grown some easy
things like runner beans and some strawberrys before!

I like in Yeovil, Somerset and have just bought a seedling lemon
tree!! just looking for some advice on keeping it please??? Never had
one before, dont no if it needs to be inside or outside or anything
else!!

it is literally a leaf at the moment!

Any help appreciated!!

toby

A lemon tree needs to be outdoors in a frost-free position in full sun if at
all possible. If you get light frosts you can get it through its first few
years protecting it on clear winter nights. It will be more frost hardy as
it gets older. Plant with the bud union a few cm above ground and regularly
trim off any shoots below it. If placed in a good position with good soil
it will grow 4-5m high and as wide. If the drainage is doubtful (eg heavy
soil in a gully) then build up the position rather than dig a hole, it will
die if it is waterlogged for any length of time. One established feed with
chicken manure or a citrus mix of fertiliser in spring and summer - do not
overfeed this will also kill it. Do not feed except in the growing season.
Water deeply (ie few long waterings not many short ones) if it dries out
especially in the growing season, it will survive inadequate water but will
not thrive and fruit well if too dry.

A hint for the futu get this kind of information before you buy as it is
silly to spend money on plants that don't suit your soil or climate or
situation and watch them die or struggle. Check the local library for
relevant books.

David

Most lemon trees are very sensitive to frost and grow best where winters are mild. 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. 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.

Apply 2 to 3 inches of organic nutrients under the canopy of the tree to conserve moisture. Fertilize every four to six weeks from February to August. 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. Protect trees from frost if temperatures are forecast to drop below 30 degrees F. Harvest lemons when fruit reaches full size and color. Timing will vary by variety and growing area.