Question
I live in lower south west australia,  we have had to remove our old orange tree and now we have two new one's,  can you give me any tips to putting them in the ground,  do i just dig a hole and put them in, or is there a special way to prepare for them.  thank you. Dianne

Answer
Hi Dianne, the best way to plant your citrus or any plant is dig your hole, do not add any more than 50 percent new soil to 50 percent old soil you dug up from the ground and mix.  It is not necessary to add new soil some feel better in doing so.  The plant ultimately has to grow in the soil that is in your yard, making it too rich your plant will not want to leave that enriched area.  Next check to make sure there are not root rings around the bottom of your plant if so clip about 3 times around the roots to break the circle.  Find a good draining area as citrus do not want to sit in water or wet areas, they will get root rot and die.  Plant your tree so about one inch of soil of your plant is out of  the ground.  When watering  the water will pull the plant down.  Give extra water for about 1 month then weekly watering of no less then 3 inches.  No mulch, rocks, plants, etc. just soil under your tree.  Fertilize in the spring after fear of frost is over.  Do not fertilize now as we want the roots to grow not the top. If leaves are wilting during the morning or early evening hours you need more water.