CULTURE Of LEMONS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 114, 16 May 1931, Page 7 (Supplement)

CULTURE Of LEMONS

RULES TO BE FOLLOWED Tho lemon is a fruit that is m dituand in almost every household, and I there arc but few gardens in whiib space could not be found for one or two of these plants. When planted in suit table soil, and reasonable attention given to their cur vatioa, there are few trees that yield better ?rops, or give better returns to the growers than wellgrown lemon trees. There arc ..'ew limiting plants, howev-'r, that neei moic careful attention in transplanting than citrus fruits, and certainly few that succumb more quickly when badly planted and neglected. Failures with citrus trees in many instances result, from their being planted in soils that is quite unsuited to their culture, such as soils of a stiff clay nature with little or no provision for draining away surplus moisture. Most citrus fruits are naturally surface rooting plants and will not succeed for any length of time in undrained land or where the roots are in contact with stagnant moisture. This is most important, so that if the soil is not naturally drained, the grower should see that good drainage is provided for before he plants. Most Suitable Soil The soil best suited for lemons, or in fact, most citrus fruits, is a deep rich loam or soils of a gritty nature. In soils of this character there is generally a free outlet for surplus moisture, so that there is no need for artificial draining. The holes in which the plants are to bo placed should be enriched with well decomposed manure or other decayed vegetable matter, which should be well incorporated with the soil, so that the roots can derive the greatest benefits from its use. In soils uf this nature the plants quickly become established and make rapid growth. Method of Planting In planting another important point is not to place the plants too deeply in the soil. Deep planting is often the cause of failurej aud often result in decay or rot setting in around the base or neck of the plant, invariably where the union of the bud or grafts have formed. If carefully planted there should be little risk as most nurserymen work their plants sufficiently high up ou the stock so as to avoid the points of union coming in contact with the soil. The safest plan in planting is to raise the plants upon a slight mound, so that after the planting is completed, the plants will be raised slightly above the surrounding surface. This not only assists to prevent an excess of moisture at the roots, but adds greater warmth to the soil. When the trees are planted in this way, staking is more necessary to prevent, their being swayed about by the wind, care being taken to place a piece of cloth sacking or other material around the stem, where the tie is placed, to prevent any chaffing of the bark. Subsequent Treatment. Once trees are established the subsequent treatment will consist in keeping down weeds by light hoeing and mulching the surface in spring with manure or other suitatle material. Most citrus fruits are surface rooting plants and the roots require more protection than deeper rooting plants. The ground around the plants must not be deeply dug. Surface roots should be encourag ed as much as possible, as it is when in this condition that more prolific crops are produced. It naturally follows, however, that such roots require some protection during dry summer weather, and should be mulched with some material that, will assist to check evaporation and retain moisture at the roots. It frequently happens that after planting little or no growth is made until tho autu’-iu rains begin. This, however, is char icteristic of the lemon for a.'though new roots aro being freely made and tho plants become well established rapid growth rarely takes place until rain has thoroughly moistened the soil.