Expert: nick mccann - 2/25/2008

Question
QUESTION: I received a Meyers lemon tree for Christmas 2 years ago. I planted it outside (in Florida) now it looks terrible. It is only about 2 feet tall. Can I dig it up and replant it to make it a patio plant? If so what would be the best way to dig it up and how big of pot should I put it in?

ANSWER: Hi Sherry, I am thinking the problem is how it was planted outside, because Meyers should excel outside in Florida; followup and tell me how and where you planted it, this way I can better help out from that point...Nick

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It is planted in my backyard. Before I put the tree into the hole I put miracle-grow in the hole. I didn't do anything else.

Answer
.....and you planted it at the same level that it was in the pot? and you didn't add anything to the hole except for what came out i hope, because the Florida soil base is very sandy, and most container trees do not readily accept it, and if you augment the hole by putting good soil in it, the roots will not press beyond the perimeter of the hole and grow in an unnatural circular direction, leading to the eventual decline of the tree. I would recommend you repot it so that it can restablish itself in a container about 2 feet across, by 2 feet deep, but only as a temporary measure until it regains its health, eventually you will need to establish it in the ground, because Meyer Lemons are not container trees, and will grow much better in the ground, eventually giving you more lemons then you can imagine, when you plant it in the container use a basic potting mix, nothing fancy (miracle grow potting soil, etc.) citrus needs a sandy mix and nothing more, they are very easy to maintain in this mixture, not much water and no fertilizer at all at this point, until it starts to show new flush; at this point contact me again and I will walk you through putting it in the ground again. Also look back at some of my previous question/answers on citrus, this will help. Nick:)