Best conditions for growth
Lemon trees grow best in warm, temperate and subtropical areas,
but can also be grown in cold inland areas if planted in a protected
spot. In extremely cold areas, they can be planted in large pots and
placed on a sunny patio, preferably under cover during cold weather.
Some types withstand cold winds and frost better than others do,
but all young trees should be protected against frost. In coastal
regions, gardeners should ensure they are protected from the salt-
laden sea breezes.
Lemons love sun, so if planted into the ground they should be
planted in full sun, a few meters away from any other large trees
and shrubs. If your garden is very cold, try to plant your lemon trees
near a north-facing, wall, where the most sunlight is received.
The high acidity of
lemons makes them
really good cleaning aids
– perfect for the braai
grid. Heat the grid up on
the open flame, and then
rub the halved lemon
over the grid.
To plant
Make a big hole, at least 1 m x 1 m, separating the high quality top
soil and the soil from the bottom layer. Using your spade or shovel,
add and thoroughly mix in large amounts of good, organic compost,
along with a handful or two of bone meal to each pile. If the soil is
clay, add coarse river sand to improve the drainage. Next, fill your
hole with the good soil, and plant your tree. It is important that you
plant it to the same height as it was in the nursery bag you received
it in – this prevents root rot. The other pile of soil can be used to top
up the hole and to form an embankment around the tree. This will
help to direct the water to the roots. Pat the soil down and water
well, followed by a good mulching aroun d the tree with quality bark
or other mulch.