Things You'll Need:
- Lemon tree
- Pot and dirt
- Patience
- Dedication
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Step 1
The Lemon tree voted most likely to succeed for home growth would be of the Dwarf variety. They are a little hardier and easier to care for. According to Leslie Land, garden writer for the New York Times, consider trees that are sold for pot culture like the Meyer lemon. Simply search for the name and you will find options to purchase. The cost of these trees average between $30 - $60 per tree.
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Step 2
Your Lemon Tree needs a minimum of 5-6 hours of sunlight every day and should be watered every few days. According to showcaseofcitrus.com your tree should be fertilized about every 6-8 weeks for the first three years. Be sure to select the right size pot with adequate drainage holes. However, to keep your soil from washing away with the water, consider covering the bottom of the pot with pieces of screen mesh. Make sure your soil is lightweight. This will help facilitate the drainage.
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Step 3
Basically all your tree needs is sunlight and water. It does not necessarily have to be kept inside during the warm months. You can put it on your patio or balcony. However, when going from light source to another, it is a good idea to do it gradually. For example, when season is drawing to a close, bring it inside for a few hours a day, and vice versa when the weather is changing to cold again. On occasion, you will need to prune the tree.
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Step 4
Making certain you are watering regularly, providing plenty of sunlight, and pruning when necessary will provide you with a bountiful harvest of lemons without having to leave your home. There seems to be very little info regarding the life span of the trees. The average seems to state somewhere between 10 and 20 years. But this can vary due to the care received.
Comments
Lona said
on 9/30/2009 In the UK you can keep lemon trees outside all summer and just protect them from the worst of the frosts in the winter. I've been growing one for a couple of years following the instructions at http://www.lemontreesonline.co.uk/care.php and its thriving with lots of little green lemons now developing!
labellefleur100 said
on 2/22/2009 I have a red thumb which means I kill all plants! Maybe I could grow one of these! 5*
FrazzledNanny said
on 2/18/2009 I would love to have a lemon tree. Thanks for the article. 5*
soanyway said
on 2/15/2009 Lemon tree very pretty! I want to do this thanks for the idea and tips! I have recomn'd you
NuttyMomma said
on 2/15/2009 interesting idea! thanks