Yes,weloveourfruittrees–but,boy,dothey
giveustrouble...Yoursgardeningguru
CHARLIE ALBONEisheretohelpC
itrus care is the No.1 topic
I get asked about – it’s head and
shoulders above any other type
of plant I get quizzed about. So here
are my tips for healthy citrus.
Healthy plants require less ongoing
pest and disease management as they
tend to fend off a lot of problems by
themselves – and this all comes down
to nutrient-rich soil and lots of water.
The soil should have compost added
to it on a yearly basis, and now’s the
time to do it. Apply a layer of compostY
GARDENING
661
When you’re looking
for a watering can test
how heavy it is, full and
empty, and check you’re
OK with the weight.2
If it’s plastic ensure
it’s UV-stable as it willno doubt be left out
in the sun at times. If
it’s metal ensure it’s
galvanised so it’s not
going to rust on you.3
The spout should
also be removable.Sometimes you need
a stronger, quicker flow
and a simple spout will do
for this; however, you also
need a rose attachment
for slowing the water and
re-enacting a more natural,citr
75mm thick around the root zone or
drip line of the canopy and scratch it
through the top 30 to 40mm of the
soil. This will help with water and
nutrient-holding capacities and be
dragged down into the soil via worms.
Keep water levels up, too – in
summer it helps with growth and
hydration and in winter it helps to
regulate soil temperature and prevent
root damage in the cold. A deep
watering once a week is better than
a sprinkle every other day as it teachesthe roots to grow deep in the soil,
helping protect against drought.
Mulch with an organic mulch, such
as straw or sugar cane, but only to
a depth of 50mm as any more prevents
water getting to the roots (especially
with your new compost layer).The
mulch helps prevent excess evaporation
and insulates the soil while regulating
the temperature, too. Organic mulch
over pebbles will also break down and
help feed the planets.
Citrus are heavy feeders so they
require fertilising, too. An organic
all-purpose fertiliser, such as pelletised
chicken manure, works well if added
with a bit of blood and bone. Apply
this to the rate suggested on the pack
up to three times a year. When you see
flower buds, apply a potash-based
fertiliser that helps develop strong
flowers and then fruits. Use tonics
such as Seasol as you feel necessary.NATIVE FINGER LIMES
This citrus is very trendy due to its
superfood label, which also raises the
price, so it’s better to grow your own!
LEMONADESThese ultra-sweet lemons
are perfect for eating direct off the tree- they’re my favourite citrus to eat.
TANGELOA combination of
mandarinand grapefruit. Keep
a serviette handy: they’re
so juicy!
Top 3
varietWhat to look for in a watering can
Sophie Conran
watering can in
Raspberry, $38,
Burgon & Ball
@ Peter’s of
Kensington