While winter has been casting its chilly spell, our citrus trees have been busily ripening our favourite cool-season crops. The mandarins, oranges, tangelos and grapefruit have almost finished building up their sweetness and are ripe for the picking.
Winter may tempt us to hibernate, but not your citrus trees – although they do like to be kept a little cosy by mulching around their base with organic matter. This insulates the roots, prevents weed growth, and retains essential moisture, keeping your citrus toasty and more able to face these chilly mornings.
During winter, rainfall tends to wane, so it’s important to water your citrus regularly. Aim for deep watering to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. In the sandy soils of the southern Peninsula, a drip irrigation system can be programmed to water at least every few days to maintain consistent moisture. Being shallow rooted, citrus can be affected by fluctuating soil moisture and may start to deteriorate if they dry out. Mulch and irrigation!
As we’re coming into the period of frosts, it’s worth keeping an eye on your young citrus trees. Frost can send shivers down anyone’s spine – including citrus trees. Any soft new leaves can be scorched by extreme temperatures, but you can help shield them on frosty nights by covering your trees with a sheet or some other light material. It is important to remove the covers during the day to let your trees enjoy some much-needed sunshine.
Winter offers the perfect opportunity to give your citrus trees a good prune. Once you have finished harvesting your juicy fruits, you can begin by removing any dead or crossing branches, allowing for better air circulation and light penetration. It is important that all pruning cuts on citrus are made just above a node, the small bump where leaves protrude, as this is where all the healing activity occurs. If citrus are cut between the nodes they will die-back down the stem and you will begin to lose precious branches.
Citrus trees have an insatiable appetite for nutrients, especially during the colder months, as they have used a lot of energy producing their treats. Pull the mulch aside temporarily and give them a feed with some well-cured compost and apply a slow-release citrus-specific fertiliser. This will provide a gentle and continuous supply of nutrients, ensuring your trees stay healthy, happy and vibrant.
If you have ever wondered whether your citrus trees are in the best spot, or you’re contemplating adding a few trees to your garden, the winter sun’s arc will help you make the decision. Citrus trees require a spot where they can soak up as much sunlight as possible, especially during the cooler months. If you can find somewhere that allows at least half a day of sun, that would be ideal. This will prevent them from staying cold and damp and keep them photosynthesising at an adequate rate. Too shady and their fruit production will wane, growth will be impaired and numerous ailments will have more of a chance to thrive.
Remember, when life gives you lemons – or oranges, grapefruits, or mandarins – make sure your trees are well-taken care of and they’ll reward you with a harvest that will make your tastebuds tango with joy!
HAPPY GARDENING!
Drew Cooper, Edible Gardens
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