All of my new citrus leaves are soon attacked by leaf miner. The leaves are tightly curled and when they grow they have brown sqiggly trails throughtout the leaf. What can I use to control this problem? Neem oil or horticultural oil or Bonide has been suggested. When do I spray and how often? Can diatomaceous earth be used? How and when should this be applied? I am an organic gardener and do not want to use systemics or toxic pesticides. I live in Savannah, Georgia.
I would recommend using neem oil as it is safe to use and generally effective against many types of insect pests. Here is more information on these pests: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/leaf-miner-control.htm
I have a question concerning soil temperature. I have moved my citrus trees indoors for the winter. (zone 7) I am trying to find a way to keep the soil temperature warm. My basement, where the trees are kept, is about 55 degrees. I have grow lights for light, but the soil temp is the concern.
They sell special heating mats for starting seedlings or you can try using a heating blanket. Just be careful with a heating blanket, as it may get too warm. Keep it on its lowest setting and put a towel between the heating blanket and the pot.
I have 3 small, very nice, green citrus trees about 2 feet tall under lights in my basement. I brought them inside in September from the garden and they growing nice. I would like to know what (type, brand and where to get) fertilizer and how much should I use. I have not fertilized them yet, but nice and green with no blossoms.
A balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 will be fine. Follow the directions on the package when applying, simply because different manufactures have different application directions. Most home and garden centers will carry them. If possible, find a citrus fertilizer (you should be able to find them at garden nurseries) which will also make sure that micro nutrients are supplied. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/fertilizing-citrus-trees-best-practices-for-citrus-fertilizing.htm
What is proper NPK for citrus trees and when to apply?
This article will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/fertilizing-citrus-trees-best-practices-for-citrus-fertilizing.htm
I have three dwarf citrus trees each in 4 inch pots. They are about 5-7 inches tall and the trunks are pliable. I purchased these three trees because they were recommended as good container plants. I have this fantasy of coming home to to my apartment and seeing a beautful braided tree with oranges, lemons and limes hanging from the branches. My question is: if I braid the 3 trees and and put them in a pot, will they flower and when I hand pollinate, will they fruit? And, if so, what is the recommended pot size (how small can I go and get results)? And how should I feed it, type and frequency of plant food?
As long as you are careful with the braiding, the trees should respond as normal in flowering and fruiting once they are mature enough. You will need a rather large pot eventually to accommodate the three trees in the same pot, but for now, they should be placed in a pot that is 2 inches wider than their combined root ball. They will need to be re-potted to larger pots as they grow. I would use a slow release fertilizer every other month in the summer and once every 3 months in the winter.
What is the best soil for citrus tree that will be brought inside in cold months?
Since I live in MI, I have multiple dwarf citrus trees and other plants that I must pot and nurse all winter in my home. It is almost time to move them back outdoors, but will remain in pots. I notice the potting soil looks all dried, used up, etc. Should I repot with new soil? Will this destroy the root base?
I would first try soaking them in water to rehydrate them after their winter dormancy. Simply place them in the shower or gently hose them down outdoors (on mist) and allow the water to run through. Unless roots are coming from the pots, they probably don't need repotting, but you can refresh the soil by gently working the top of the soil and adding new soil in with it. If their growth seems to be impeded or they just look unhealthy as they come out of dormancy, you can then go ahead and repot them, moving up 2 sizes.