How to Plant a Meyer Lemon Tree in the Ground

If you want to enjoy sweet and tangy Meyer lemons at home, planting a Meyer lemon tree in your garden is the perfect solution. Meyer lemon trees are one of the easiest citrus trees to grow, making them ideal for gardeners of all levels of experience. Here's everything you need to know about planting a Meyer lemon tree in the ground.

Choose the Right Location

The first step in planting a Meyer lemon tree in the ground is choosing the right location. Meyer lemons need full sun for at least 8 hours a day, so make sure you choose a sunny spot. The soil should be well-draining, loamy, and slightly acidic with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. If your soil is heavy or clay, consider adding sand, compost, or perlite to improve drainage.

Prepare the Planting Hole

Next, prepare the planting hole. The hole should be two times as wide and as deep as the root ball of the tree. Gently remove the tree from its container and loosen the roots slightly. Place the tree in the hole at the same level it was growing in the container, making sure the graft union is above the soil line. Fill the hole with soil and press it down gently with your hands.

Water the Tree

After planting the tree, water it well. The water will settle the soil around the roots and help the tree establish itself in its new location. For the first year, water the tree deeply once a week during the growing season. Meyer lemon trees don't like wet feet, so allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.

Fertilize the Tree

Meyer lemon trees need regular fertilization to grow and produce fruit. Fertilize the tree every 6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. You can also top dress the tree with compost or well-aged manure to improve soil fertility.

Prune the Tree

Pruning is an important part of Meyer lemon tree care. Prune the tree lightly in the first year to promote branching and bushiness. In subsequent years, prune the tree in late winter or early spring to remove dead wood and thin out crowded branches. This will help the tree produce more fruit and maintain a healthy shape.

Pest Control

Meyer lemon trees are prone to a few pests, including spider mites, aphids, and scale insects. Keep an eye out for these pests and use natural or organic pest control methods to control them. You can also use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control pests.

Conclusion

Planting a Meyer lemon tree in the ground is an easy and rewarding way to enjoy fresh and delicious Meyer lemons at home. With a little care and attention, your Meyer lemon tree will thrive and produce plenty of fruit for years to come.