Thinking of starting a lemon tree at home?

The monsoon is the perfect time. This guide walks you through everything, from picking the right pot and variety to caring, feeding, and harvesting. It is perfect for balcony gardeners, beginners, and anyone who loves watching things grow.

The monsoon season brings with it more than just cool breezes and rainy afternoons, it also signals the start of a fresh growing cycle. With the soil damp and the air rich with moisture, this is one of the best times of the year to plant something new. And if you have been thinking about growing lemons at home, now is your moment.

1. Choose the right lemon variety for your space and climate

Before you dig into the soil, take a moment to choose the right kind of lemon to grow. Not all varieties are suited to containers or small spaces. For home gardening, especially in pots, compact varieties like Kagzi lime, Eureka, or the sweeter Meyer lemon work well. These grow to a manageable size and still produce plenty of fruit.

You can start your lemon plant either from seed or from a nursery sapling. While growing from seed can be a fun experiment, it takes several years to bear fruit. If you are keen to see results sooner, it is best to pick a healthy sapling from a reputable local nursery. Make sure the plant has strong and green leaves and no visible pests or damage.

2. Select the right pot and soil for healthy growth

If you are planting in a container, choose one that is at least 16 to 18 inches deep and wide. Lemons like space for their roots, and they also need good drainage. Without it, the roots can rot, especially during heavy monsoon downpours. Use a terracotta or ceramic pot with proper drainage holes, and place it on a stand or bricks to let excess water escape freely.

3. Plant your lemon sapling the right way

Once your pot and soil are ready, plant your lemon sapling gently. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place the sapling in, and fill in around it with the prepared soil. Press down softly to secure it, and water thoroughly, but not excessively.

4. Care for your lemon plant during the rainy season

Monsoon can be both a blessing and a challenge for lemon plants. While the moisture helps the roots settle in, the high humidity and constant dampness can attract pests and cause fungal issues. Keep an eye out for common signs like curled leaves, black spots, or sticky residue.

5. Encouraging pollination and knowing when to harvest

If your plant is outdoors, bees and butterflies will usually take care of pollination for you. For indoor or balcony plants, you can hand-pollinate using a soft brush, gently transferring pollen from one flower to another.

It is always special to see the first fruit appear on a tree you have looked after from the start. Growing lemons at home is a slow, satisfying rhythm of care, patience, and reward. And with the monsoon making the soil and air so welcoming, there is no better time to start. So if you are standing by the window, mug in hand, watching the rain fall, why not plant a lemon tree this weekend? It might just be the beginning of your favourite gardening journey.

Source;TheBetterindia  

@iQOO Connect

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