Lemons are both refreshing and have many health benefits. Here’s how to easily grow your own lemon tree to ensure you always have a ready supply:
Not only can lemons add a delicious citrus twist to food and drink, there are a number of health benefits associated with them as well. According to a study published in Epidemiology, the vitamin C in lemons has been associated with improved cardiovascular health. Yet another health benefit of including lemons in your diet is the prevention of kidney stones. According to a study published in Urology, citric acid can increase urine volume, thereby lowering the risk of kidney stones forming. Lemons may also help with anemia. Even though they are low in iron, according to studies published in the British Journal of Nutrition and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the citric acid and vitamin C in lemons allows for greater iron absorption in the body from other foods.
So how can you grow your own lemon tree? It’s easier than you might think. Following these steps and maintaining your lemon tree can be really simple and will benefit you in the long run when you have a supply of lemons right at your fingertips. Below you’ll find some easy steps for growing your own lemon tree and keeping yourself stocked with lemons for the summer. You can also grow a lemon tree indoors, although it will require a little bit more work maintaining the right temperature and growing conditions.
1. The first thing you’ll need to grow a lemon tree is, of course, a lemon seed. According to Natural Living Ideas, a Meyer lemon is the best choice as it can be grown indoors or outdoors. Choose an organic lemon as well, since their seeds are more likely to germinate in your soil.
2. The next step is choosing the right soil. According to Gardening Know How, you’ll want to use a pasteurized soil, as this will keep any bacteria from attacking your seedling. The mixture of the soil should contain peat, perlite, vermiculite and organic fertilizer.
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3. Next, you’ll need a container or a pot in which to plant your lemon tree. According to Natural Living Ideas, the best size for a lemon tree is something in the range of 8 inches wide. This size may seem small, but it will help to maintain the right level of soil moisture. If your tree continues to grow for the next two to three years, you can transplant it to something that is 10 to 12 inches wide. Make sure your pot has drainage holes in the bottom, as well.
4. You’re going to need to plant your lemon tree somewhere it can get a lot of sunlight.A lemon tree requires 12 to 14 hours of sunlight every day, according to Natural Living Ideas. You can plant your tree somewhere that sunlight is abundant, or you can supplement sunlight using 40-watt fluorescent shop lights…
Article and images courtesy of Providr.com
I hope you found this useful. We don’t have a large garden, but I still think I’m going to make efforts to fit in my own lemon tree – how about you?
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