Ok, not much has really been happening on our lil urban homestead. The most excitement we’ve had was with Willie, and fixing our tractor. Both of which are still sitting in their respective places. One fairing better than the other. So, things have kind of slowed down. And since the hurricane and having to clear out our planters outside in preparation, we haven’t really been growing much. Except our citrus trees.
If you remember in a post this past summer, Four New Additions To Our Homestead!, I talked about getting some citrus trees. Now, if you don’t know me by now, I am not good with plants. That’s the great thing about the partnership between Antoine and I. I can count on him to grow stuff, and he can count on me to…do anything but grow stuff LOL. Well, I had been wanting to get some lemons because I love drinking lemon water every day. Instead of continuing to spend money at the grocery store, we decided to invest in citrus trees.
All summer those trees sat outside soaking up the hot southern sun and warm summer rain. We kept them watered and finally re-potted them. Even with all the care, they wouldn’t bud or bloom. But, the they stayed green. The citrus leaves were nice, thick, and a beautiful green color. But no buds. Then, it started getting cold outside consistently at night so we brought them in.
Within a few weeks of bring them in, the lime tree threw off almost all of its leaves and the lemon tree started looking a little shabby.
We figured they needed more water and kept them by the patio door to get that sunlight they were getting outside. Nothing was working. So, I went to my trustee homesteading group. Someone had posted they had finally gotten lemons on their tree! That was exciting.
I discussed with them what could be the problem. We came up with some solutions like, more bright light, possible need of iron if it has yellowing leaves, and some fertilizer and feed schedule. One member even mentioned that sometimes a citrus tree will act deciduous and shed their leaves. Then cover themselves again with blooms – as long as the stems are green.
Keeping all of that in mind, I went to bed with a plan. No kidding, I woke up and did stuff outside of the home. When we finally got back that evening, I had a flower on the lemon tree!! I hadn’t even done anything to the lemon tree yet. But, there it was. It was so pretty. So, I rushed back to the group excited. They gave me advice to take a q-tip and pollinate it. That’s what I did, so now we wait to see if I finally get to have a lemon.
The great thing about these two trees is that they are both self pollinating. So, I may not have needed to hand pollinate it, but hey it’s worth the try. Hey y’all, *singing* I’m gonna have a leeeemon, I’m gonna have a leeeeemon!
For someone that consistently kills plants, this is a great victory! I’ll keep you posted.