Repotting my four lemon trees has been on the “To Do” list ever since learning about a good potting soil mix for lemon trees. They have been under a light for the winter in the house and they were too dry, and while the light helped, I have seen them happier.
My plan was to repot them with the new soil recommended for lemon trees in pots, and letting them spend the spring in the hoop house which can get quit humid at times, and there is more natural light. I also wanted to prepare the beds for getting in my salad greens.
Marvin has named the trees, and I think this one is Jack, who will be guarding the door. It was recommended that the trees be planted in pots no smaller than 14 inches diameter, and 14 inches high. I do not recall where I read the instructions, but when I run across it, I will update this post. I grew these trees from the seeds of a Meyer lemon.
These two trees, Sunny and Su are quite opposites for having come from the same lemon. Next to them behind the end of the bed, are two hydrangeas I started from cuttings. I am giving them a little more time to mature before planting them out.
The fourth tree in the terra cotta pot to the back right side, is probably the healthiest plant named Hannah Banana, because the leaves are growing large and they tend to get yellow, whereas the others do not. I am hoping my new soil recipe will cure that. I also repotted an ivy I found along the fence while weeding last fall, and it will grow on the lattice, and I will put some colorful flowers in with it later in the spring. The pot with the blue star flower has a repotted geranium I over wintered, and when it gets over it transplant shock, I am going to start some petunia seeds to go around the sides. The long bed with the square white lattice is prepared for three tomato plants: two slicers, and a cherry tomato. The long blue bed on the right is for the salad greens, the bed by the door next to Jack is for peppers and a few other salad things, and a basil plant.
A few days previous, I also weeded a space to get the peas planted. I made this stick arbor for them last year, and it worked well, so I will try it again this year. I changed its location though, as it was along the fence, and it cut off sun and light to the back side, so I have it out in the front of the bed this time.
I plan to plant a small climbing pink baby rose bush on the arbor. I know a Morning Glory would probably be lovely, but I love roses, and they will bloom most of the season. I am always worried that the morning glory will over stay its welcome.
Finally, the gardener’s best friend, the potting shed. Cleaned and organized, but not cutesy, for another exciting gardening season of great expectations.