Growing a lemon tree is a rewarding and easy hobby. In addition to providing useful fruits for human consumption, these citrus trees are beautiful ornamental trees that can block the sun and freshen the air in the garden during the hottest times of the day. But how should you water the lemon tree in summer?
An important goal of amateur gardeners is to ensure that every lemon tree continues to thrive and look beautiful. To achieve this, they must consider the age and size of the tree and whether it will be in a container or in the ground. You also need to figure out when to water the tree and how to prevent it from getting too much water. If you want to avoid fungus and other citrus diseases caused by overwatering, you should follow these steps to help your lemon tree produce better yields.
Make sure the soil is good before watering your tree. Check if the soil is dry by inserting your finger 3-6 inches below the surface. If so, it's time to give him water. If the soil is still moist, wait a few days before watering the tree.
It is advisable to water a lemon tree growing in a container thoroughly until water drips from the bottom drainage holes.
How often to water lemon tree in summer?
In summer, when the lemon tree is actively growing and bearing fruit, the water requirement can increase dramatically. Tap water or rainwater is fine for watering these plants. Contrary to popular belief, citrus trees can thrive in soils with higher lime content. The roots can be damaged by waterlogging, so you should make sure that the water level is always even. The ball can become too dry, causing the lemon tree to lose its leaves. Water well, but not too much – allow the soil to dry out a little between waterings. The lemon tree should be watered every 1 – 2 days during the summer.
Pro tip for healthy trees:For optimal plant health, spray the leaves regularly with lime-free water - this way you can improve the humidity. With this small measure you will do something good for your lemon tree and at the same time protect it from spider mites. If you spray your lemon tree with hard water, it will cause unsightly white spots on the leaves.
Water and care for potted plants properly in the heat
The frequency of watering a potted plant depends on factors such as the outside temperature, sunlight, pot size and the development of the plant. Potted lemon plants exposed to direct sunlight and high temperatures may need to be watered every 1-2 days.
A lemon tree in a pot always needs more water than one planted in the ground. The soil dries out because the water evaporates much faster. Additionally, the small amount of moisture sinks into the bottom of the container, far away from the above-ground roots. When the top few inches of soil feel dry when rubbed between your fingertips, you should water. You may need to water every day during a heat wave.
Fertilizing a potted lemon tree is more necessary than planting it in the ground because the nutrients are washed out of the soil and used up as the tree grows. The soil in the pot decomposes quickly - to counteract this, every two weeks should be doneFertilizer addedbecome.
Watering outdoor lemon trees
If you care for and water your lemon tree well and plant it in organic-rich soil, it should be able to survive without water for up to a week in hot weather. For soils that drain quickly or slowly, or for strong winds that cause leaves to dry out quickly, you may need to adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Remember that in extremely high temperatures the leaves may curl up to conserve water during drought. The leaves should rise again in the evening as the temperature drops, provided the tree has been adequately watered.
While you are watering the plant, you can also fertilize it. If you do this frequently throughout the year, you will notice better flavor and size of the lemon, as well as better development of the flowers and fruit set.
Watering the lemon tree from above or below?
The easiest way to do thisOccurrence of fungal diseasesTo prevent this, water without getting the leaves wet. You should therefore water your tree from below.
Warning signs of excessive watering
If your lemon tree's leaves begin to turn yellowish, this may be an early sign that the tree is getting too much water. After a while the leaves fall off and the roots turn a dark, sticky color.
Signs of underwatering
If your lemon tree's leaves are curling inward but the color of the leaves is still green, this may be an early sign that the tree is not receiving enough water. The leaves gradually turn brown, dry out, and fall off as the process progresses. When the tree blooms, the flowers may wilt and fall off prematurely.
How to prune a lemon treefind out here!
