I just bought me a Monachello semi-dwarf lemon tree from (all places) Costco. I live in Simi Valley, California. Should I plant it in a pot or in the ground? Help!
Should be easier to manage in the ground unless soil there is unsuitable. This can include things like soil-borne pests or pathogens. Inquire locally, Sunset WESTERN GARDEN BOOK and books on growing citrus may have some useful comments also.
Susie, Monachello lemons are rather easy citrus varieties to grow. As you are in Simi Valley, you should not have any trouble at all growing such a tree. A Monachello lemos does much better growing in the soil, then they do confined to a container. When you plant the tree dig a hole just as large as the trees root ball. Do not add any amendments to the soil. Provide a watering ring around the tree large enough to hold 5-gallons. Keep an eye on the soil, and do not let it become dry. There are numerious threads on this site, concerning fertilizing newly planted citrus trees, use the search function. The best of luck to this tree. - Millet
Dig wide shallow planting hole, the wider the better - but no deeper than the height of the existing rootball. New roots respond to aeration of newly loosened backfill, the wider the area of loosening the more aerated backfill there is for the tree to grow into. Mulch after planting.
