Early Spring Care for Citrus Trees

 

I have always wanted my own citrus tree/s, and as a child tried to grow them every summer from seeds after  my mother was done making lemonade. Unfortunately I didn't live in a climate that would be conducive to their growth or maturity, and today I still don't.... but I'm working on that, and one day darn it!..I'm going to have me a couple of lemon trees. 

I love a good old fashion glass of lemonade; and just a touch of it in my tea. I found that using the juice of lemons tenderizes meat such as chicken, and pork and helps cut down on salt used to season your meat... I could go own, but I think you get the picture. 

Below is an article brought to you by Fiskars, which features master gardener and blogger Fern Richardson; I love her informative blogs and invite you to check them out when time permits.  http://lifeonthebalcony.com...

"Oh and by the way, I'm a big fan of Fiskar's garden tools, http://www2.fiskars.com , so Fiskars.... if you happen to stop by this post, I'd like a couple of pruners for my birthday May 3rd. This is an early thank you. 

Early Spring is a great time to plant lemons, limes, oranges, and other citrus trees in southern climates. Wait until all danger of frost has past. This will give your tree all spring and summer to get established before cool autumn and winter temperatures stop it's growth. Be sure to pick a site with fast draining soil, or amend to spot to improve drainage. If you're growing your citrus tree in a container, pick a pot that is at least 18 inches tall and wide. If the tree came from the nursery with fruit on it, remove them before planting to allow the tree to put all of its energy into settling in to its new digs.

This is also the time of year to start fertilizing your tree again. Select a fertilizer meant for citrus trees. If your tree is growing in the ground, imagine a circular line that is one foot wider than the longest branch on your tree. Sprinkle the citrus fertilizer evenly from the base of the trunk out to your imaginary line. Do not work in in to the soil, as citrus roots are close to the surface and easily damaged, simply scratch it in lightly with a rake. If your tree is growing in a pot, sprinkle the fertilizer over the entire soil surface.

As soon as a new flush of growth begins to show on your tree, you'll know if any of the branches were damaged over the winter. No leaves means the branch is dead. Prune off dead branches with an anvil pruner or lopper, as needed. Also, be sure to remove an suckers that start growing below the graft union or are popping up from the roots. Some citrus are not grafted (limes are usually not, for example), in which case, suckers need only be removed if they are aesthetically undesirable. Remember, though, that the lowest branches are the most productive.

Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when snails come out of hiding. They enjoy overwintering in clusters at the point where main branches connect to the trunk. You can pick them off by hand, place them in a plastic bag, and throw them out. Be sure to tie the plastic bag tightly before throwing it in the trash. You can imagine what will happen if you don't tie the bag of snails! Placing a copper cuff around the trunk of the tree will prevent future snail problems.

Photo credits and article by Fiskars: