We have several lemon trees in very large clay pots ... they are 5 years old and about 4 feet tall. They have been producing wonderful lemons for the past three years. The trees are outside, west facing sun all summer and we have moved them inside to a west facing sun room in the winter. During the Winter their growth suffers and they look poorly by Spring, but have managed to come back each year. They are now too big to move inside ... what would be best way to protect them through the winter? I do not have a greenhouse. An abundant crop of lemons is riping on the trees ... likely ready to pick within the next two weeks. But, an even more numerous crop is just beginning to form ... likely 20 lemons on each tree. Can I urge this late crop to grow and ripen througfh the winter?
If it is not possible to move your tree to protection, then you can string the larger sized Christmas lights throughout the tree. On cold nights wrap the tree with a good protective wrap and turn of the Christmas light. Also wrap the container if it is going to be a extended cold spell so the growth medium does not freeze. Water with warm 80F water during the winter. - Millet (1,197-)
