How to Plant More Than One Citrus Tree in the Backyard
- 1). Plant citrus trees outside only if you live in USDA Cold Hardiness zones 9 to 11.These cold-sensitive trees will fail in colder areas. Plant orange trees down to Zone 9, and lemon and lime trees down to Zone 10. Start your planting in spring to give the trees a full summer of growing before winter.
- 2). Choose spots that sit 20 to 30 feet from one other for adequate space. Make sure each site gets full sun for eight hours a day, with good access to air circulation and quick drainage. Citrus trees won't bloom or fruit if they don't get enough sun or air. Also, they will rot in standing water.
- 3). Dig into the top foot of soil and break up any dirt clods. Remove weeds and rocks, then lay 3 inches of organic compost and 3 inches of quick-draining soil on top of the site. Use a garden fork to mix the amendments into the natural soil to give citrus trees drainage, moisture support and nutrition.
- 4). Plant fruit trees so their bud union, or the top of the root ball, sits at soil level. Citrus trees, which need access to sun, air and water, do best with shallow plantings. Pack amended soil around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
- 5). Water each tree with 1 gallon of water to settle the soil around the roots, then cut the main shoot of each tree to 24 inches. This initial pruning encourages immediate growth and branching. Spread 2 inches of organic compost around each tree to maintain soil moisture and warmth.
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