How to Grow Lemons Organically

Add organic compost to your lemon tree's planting area. Digging in 1 part compost to every 4 parts of soil will help to improve the soil's drainage as well as provide nutrients your tree needs to grow strong and healthy.

Fertilize with fish emulsion or compost tea four times each year during the tree's active growing season. Feed it initially in early spring and continue every six weeks or so until mid August. Follow label instructions for correct mixing and application of fish emulsion. Make compost tea by combining about 10 cups compost with 5 gallons of water and allowing the mixture to steep overnight.

Control aphids and other soft-bodied insects by spraying your tree with insecticidal soap. Cover both sides of all leaves thoroughly and repeat your application every other day, until you see no more insects.

Control hard bodied insects such as scale by adding 1 tbsp. canola oil to 1 qt. of insecticidal soap. The oil smothers the insects. It's sometimes helpful to clip off severely affected foliage.

Control slugs and snails by scattering either diatomaceous earth or iron phosphate granules on the soil surrounding your tree. Repeat this application after you water your tree or after a rain.