How to Grow Larger Lemons

Plant your lemon tree in a sunny location where the soil does not remain soggy after rain or irrigation. To improve drainage, amend the soil with organic compost before planting your tree. Remove soil to create a planting hole twice the size of your tree’s rootball and put it into a wheelbarrow. Combine it with at least two 1-gallon buckets full of compost and then refill the hole about half way.

Set your lemon tree into the planting hole, loosening the roots if they are compacted. Fill to the top with the remaining soil and compost mixture. Water after planting by running a garden hose at a medium drip for about one hour; give the tree about 5 gallons of water.

Allow the soil to dry between waterings to prevent the roots from rotting. Watering once every 10 days or so is sufficient. If the weather is very hot and dry for a period of time, monitor the soil moisture by inserting your finger into it 2 inches deep. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.

Fertilize your lemon tree with plant food designed for citrus. Give it four applications each year, beginning in early spring and repeating about every six weeks until mid summer.

Control soft-bodied insects such as aphids by spraying your tree with insecticidal soap every other day until the insects are gone. Control fungal diseases such as powdery mildew by spraying with organic sulfur or another approved fungicide.

Pinch off about half of the young lemons when they are the size of a marble to encourage the remaining fruit to grow larger.