[mudbug]

Pierre, why is your meyer lemon tree struggling?

As for your fig starts, you can trade them online for other plants here:
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/explant/

I highly recommend it if you're interested

[Pierre]

mudbug,
the lemon tree (shrub is more like it) isn't in the best of conditions. i think the urban neighborhood where i live in SF, CA doesn't get the warmth and good sun that citrus trees need. during the summer months is when the daily fog rolls in at about 3pm and it's just plain cold, damp, and gray. also, it's a container plant and could probably do to get watered more often that i does. my bad.

actually, right now there are about a dozen small lemons that are bigger than has ever been on the tree in the 7 years of it's life. they are about the size of a small lime. the weather has been mostly good and there was alot of spring rain to help things along. if all goes well, i'll be looking for a lemon bar recipe soon.

[mudbug]

Pierre,

If the tree has been in the same container for a year or more and it is drying out rapidly, it may be root bound. I recommend repotting it to a pot that is 3-4 inches wider. This will allow it to retain moisture for a longer amount of time, add nutrients with the proper soil, and give the roots some breathing room. Use a soil that is light, fuffy and nutrient rich.

Container plants deplete the nutrients in the available soil over time and need nutrients added regularly. At least do this until you can repot. If you want to make more light available for the plant, if it's near a light fixture that is adjustable, you can use a grow light bulb - they're inexpensive and will help. There are also very portable and inexpensive light fixtures with grow lights that can be placed in a place that works best for you and the plant.

Any plant that flowers or bears fruit does better with full sun and regular moisture with good drainage. Roots require amounts of oxygen, water, and nutrients for a healthy plant which will bear healthy fruit.

[Headless Chicken]

Mom is planning some tomatoes, a couple beef steaks and a roma bush once we've preped the soil. I've already got some herbs going in soon that are currently indoors. I'm planning flat leaf parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.