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Avoid These Mistakes To Ensure A Thriving Lemon Tree
By DANIELLE RAMOS-SULLIVAN
While it’s important that lemon trees get a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day, there are a few other things you must keep in mind to ensure a healthy harvest.
Improper Watering
Water your lemon tree once a week and water it deeply during the growing season. Newly planted trees; however, need to be watered two to three times a week.
Lemon trees require consistent moisture so adjust the frequency based on the weather. You can also check the soil moisture with your finger; water it, if the top inch is dry.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Lemon trees prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. Nitrogen, too, is crucial and can be fed to your trees using fertilizers.
Too much nitrogen can invite pests, so exercise caution. Make sure your soil pH is between 5.5 to 6.5 as a higher or lower pH can affect your tree’s ability to absorb nutrients.
Pests On Your Tree
Lemon trees are susceptible to a range of pests, including aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. If you notice any, try spraying them off the leaves with a hose.
You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Use organic pest control methods whenever possible and remove any infected branches or leaves to prevent the spread of disease.