Planting Poncirus Trifoliata

Scoop a small amount of soil from 3 inches below the surface of an area in full sun or partial shade into a soil pH test kit. Add the water according to instructions and test with the pH paper. Determine the soil's pH level according to instructions. Poncirus trifoliata requires a slightly acidic soil, with a pH level less than 7.5, and preferably between 5.5 and 6.5. Peat moss or elemental sulfur may be added to the soil if necessary to lower its pH.

Dig a hole with a garden spade that is as deep as your hardy orange's nursery container and half again as wide as the pot's diameter. Fill the hole with water and let it drain. Immediately fill it again and check its depth with a ruler. Come back after an hour and check the depth again. If the level has dropped more than 1 inch and than 6, you have well-drained soil and can continue. If not, dig again until you find appropriate drainage.

Clear any lawn grass from 3- to 5-feet around the hole with a flat-bladed shovel.

Unpot the hardy orange by turning the pot on its side and pushing up on the bottom of the plastic nursery pot to gently dislodge the plant. Citrus roots are easily damaged, warns Just Fruits & Exotics, a Florida nursery.

Place the root ball in the hole, backfilling as necessary to ensure that the plant sits straight in the hole and that the topmost roots are just at or 1 inch above soil level.

Fill in around the root ball with soil removed from the hole. Do not add fertilizer or other soil amendments. Texas A&M University Agrilife Extension recommends topping the root ball with 1/2 inch of soil to "seal" it from the elements.

Tamp the soil down lightly and water well to eliminate any air pockets around the root ball.

Build up a 5- to 6-inch tall mound of soil in a 3-foot diameter ring around the newly planted tree to keep water in. Fill the ring with water two to three times the first week, twice in the second and third week, and then when the soil is dry 1 inch down.