The lemon tree is one of the most popular fruit trees in the world. Small and evergreen, this tree is widely used in gastronomy. If you’ve decided to grow a lemon tree and need some tips for taking care of it, you’re probably wondering what kind of fertilizer a lemon tree needs, right?
In this article we will reveal what nutrients are needed for optimal lemon tree development and explain how to prepare fertilizer. Following our tips will ensure that your tree offers the best lemons.
Lemons, how to fertilize them to get them big and juicy until fall
The best time to fertilize a lemon tree is during the warmer months, spring and summer, from April to September. Fertilizing with calcium, magnesium and potassium (without overdoing it) is very important, but it will also be very important to opt for a homemade organic fertilizer that we can make ourselves. Following this routine on an annual basis will ensure a strong lemon tree of high quality.
We can also fertilize a lemon tree in winter, but limit fertilizing to small amounts of phosphorus, potassium and ammonium nitrate. Remember that lemons are not well adapted to cold weather, so if you reach 23ºC, don’t forget to protect it from frost.
Lemons, here’s how to fertilize them to have a tree full of fruit
There are quality and totally natural products on the market. However, if you want to save money, you can fertilize your lemon tree with very simple and really cheap tricks using leftovers you have at home. Also remember that this fertilizer is useful for lemon and orange trees, or any other citrus tree. So, you can follow these same tips on other fruit trees you have in your garden. It should not be overlooked that the most important elements for a lemon tree to grow strong and healthy will be iron and phosphorus, which are essential for good flowering. However, other elements such as potassium and organic fertilizer are also essential.
In addition, ammonium nitrate should be used to correct alkaline soils and lime nitrate to correct acidic soils.
Organic fertilizer, here’s how to prepare it
Any gardener will benefit greatly from homemade composting. The advisable thing is to use a compost bin, for greater hygiene and comfort. Put various leftovers of plant origin in the compost bin: leaves, legume remains, shells and even roots. You can also add ruminant manure or mulch. We will moisten the contents with water, cover it and let it sit for more than three weeks.
During the time the fertilizer is fermenting, we will remove the matter and let it aerate a bit. By following these tips, we will get a totally natural and inexpensive compost. Remember that compost can have a bad smell, so it is best to place this fertilizer for lemon trees outside.
How to improve homemade fertilizer
The variety of types of materials in the preparation of organic compost will greatly improve its quality, which is why we have prepared an additional section in which we show you the best “ingredients” for making excellent homemade fertilizer for lemon trees.
As we explained, you can use any leftover plant origin, but did you know that even coffee grounds can be used to fertilize plants? The truth is that in addition to acting as a repellent against various insects and pests, coffee grounds contain natural fertilizing elements. On the other hand, one of the best ways to enrich a substrate, in addition to the use of manure that we have already discussed, is the use of earthworm humus, which will greatly improve the quality of fertilizer for lemon trees.
Zinc
Bury a can of any soft drink and moisten the soil. When it corrodes, it will release the zinc needed by the plant.
Calcium
Crush eggshells and add them to compost or directly to the lemon tree soil. These remains help keep slugs and some insects away. Unfortunately, an excess of calcium is not good for lemon. Therefore, use it only occasionally.
Iron
Search the market for iron chelates, an inexpensive product that will have a very positive impact on your lemon tree. You will only need to bury them near the tree and add water so that the iron is released.
Other useful tips for fertilizing a lemon tree
- Fertilization begins with the arrival of spring and continues until late fall.
- If you have purchased a plant, do not fertilize it until after its second flowering after planting. Of course, provide it with quality soil.
- The lemon tree does not like soil that is too wet. Make sure the soil is well drained and water is properly filtered.
