Question
Hi, Kathy. I bought a Meyer's Lemon Tree from a central Texas grower and planted it two weeks ago. It's under 3 feet tall. It lost almost all of its baby lemons and it appears to be unhappy. A few of its leaves have curled and one turned brown. The blossoms either turned brown or fell off. I have no idea if I'm underwatering it or overwatering it (what are the signs?). I've watered it lightly twice a week. Can you give me some suggestions as to how to care for it and how to tell if it wants more water, less water?

Answer
Hi Cathy.. If you planted it in the ground I suggest watering the tree every three days for a month to get the roots growing.  Never put soil over the top of the plant, only around it.  Plant about 1 inch above the soil as when it is watered the it will get pulled down.  Never plant in a wet area, needs good drainage.  Unless of course you are getting allot of rain. Fruit will fall off from transplanting to the ground or the pot.  You may want to pull the rest of the fruit off to give it a good start in life as the life at this point is going to the fruit and you want it to go to the tree.  Leaving a fruit or two on would be ok. Never put mulch around a citrus, keep it clear of plants or grass too.

If it is in a pot I water the first day or two till the water comes out of the bottom of the pot.  After that depending on the size of the pot keep in mind the plant dries out from the outside of the pot in.  Knowing this you may have to water only the outside of the pot and alternate with right on the tree.