[Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page

[Dick]

In General, the annual amount ot nitrogen required is based on the stem 
diameter applied in thirds in March, June and September. If it called for 3 
pounds, you would apply 1 pound in each of the three months. In a young 
tree, that might be too much. Always follow the directions on the bag.

Fertilizer should always be applied at the drip line. If you use a stick or 
tool to draw a line defining the average outermost reach of the branches, 
you will have identifyed the drip line that itself should be the center of a 
shallow trench at least two feet wide, three feet is better in an adult 
tree.  You can work the fertilizer an inch or two into the soil or 
distribute it equally in several holes 2 inches in diameter around the 
parimeter. Set a hose adjusted to maintain a shallow water table in the 
trench until you can sink a soil probe easily at least two feet all around 
the dripline regardless of how long it takes although you might need to 
lower the flow rate to achieve the depth. The depth is important. Then, shut 
the water off but repeat the process when you scratch into the soil and find 
it quite dry two or three inches deep That is the only zone where feeder 
roots are located and the only place, therefore, that the citrus tree can 
adsorb nutrients.

I have never used anything on citrus except Ammonium Sulfate, 21-0-0. You 
can buy "Citrus Food" but I have never used it.

Limes? I don't know. I think anytime they have sized up. Pick one and try 
it. Technically, limes will turn a slight yellow in time but I don't think 
they are picked then. Try one once in a while.

Dick Gross, Master Gardener Volunteer
University of Arizona
Maricopa County Cooperative Extension

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <ruggieroln at cox.net>
To: <arid_gardener at Ag.arizona.edu>
Sent: Sunday, August 19, 2007 1:45 PM
Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page


>
> 85028
> ruggieroln at cox.net
>
> Citrus questions:
>
> When are limes ready to pick?  Mine seem ready now (August)
>
> I have a grapefruit tree planted last fall that has only two fruits that 
> are small and don't seem to be growing although the tree looks healthy.  A 
> nearby lime tree planted at the same time is loaded with fruit.  What 
> should I do to increase fruit on the grapefruit?
>
> When should citrus be fertilized?
>
> Both trees are on an automatic drip irrigation system.  Is that okay for 
> citrus?
>
> Thanks for your help.
>
>
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