No one will be surprised by a beautiful tree with fragrant leaves growing on a windowsill. With proper care, lemon produces a good harvest several times a year. But proper watering and timely applied fertilizers will not bring results if the soil for the lemon is not selected correctly. It is important to know and understand all the nuances of choosing soil. Only in this case will the plant develop correctly and give the long-awaited result.
Minerals and elements needed by lemon
Much does not mean good. This rule is taken into account when growing indoor plants. For proper development, citrus fruits need:
- potassium;
- phosphorus;
- magnesium;
- calcium.
All the necessary components are contained in properly selected soil.
What should be included
In both human and plant products, the composition is important. Lemons can bear fruit only if ideal care and planting conditions are met, the most important of which is the soil. To do this, you will need to figure out which one is needed specifically for lemon. It is recommended to mix the following types of soil.
garden soil
Suitable from a simple garden bed. Before use, it is cleaned, it is advisable to sift and bake in an oven. Makes up 30% of the entire mixture.
Leaf ground
Helps the plant become strong, bear fruit more quickly, and promotes vigorous growth. It is best to collect under the linden tree. Only the first five centimeters are taken. Roots and debris are removed. Add 20%.
Sod land
Nettles or clovers collected locally are ideal. Herbs create the optimal acidity needed by lemon. The earth is cleared of debris and roots. Add 20%.
Sand
The choice is made on coarse grain. Ideal - river or spring. Makes up 10% of the mixture.
Peat land
It perfectly absorbs excess moisture. Endowed with good air tightness. Thanks to this, the root system develops correctly, does not rot and is protected from drought. Accounts for 10% of the total volume.
Compost
The raw materials are fallen leaves, grass, straw, and leftover food. As a result of decomposition, a component rich in nutrients is obtained. Add 10%.
The compost should be fully matured, dark, homogeneous and easy to crumble. An unfinished product will destroy the plant.
It is also recommended to add manure humus. Best used for horses. You can get it at any farm or buy it through an advertisement.
Recommended pH for citrus fruits
The acidity of the earth plays an important role in the formation of the plant. Citrus prefers:
- neutral soil, the acidity level of which is 6.5-7 pH;
- also likes less acidic (6 pH).
At home they check using a special device; litmus paper is also suitable. These devices can be purchased at any store that sells gardening tools.
What to look for when purchasing
When purchasing, choose soil for indoor plants that contains peat and neutral acidity. The ideal option is a special soil designed for lemons. It contains all the components necessary for the plant in the required proportions.
Also pay attention to:
- Expiration date, production date. The fresh product still retains useful substances and the microflora is less developed.
- Mineral components. There should be a ratio: one part nitrogen, one and a half parts phosphorus and two parts potassium.
- On soil particles. Packed lumps indicate poor quality.
The problem with ready-mixes is storage. They are sold tightly packed. If the substrate is wet, then the process of decomposition of plant components will continue, since a good environment for the life of bacteria is created. Lemon will not do well in such soil.
Signs of quality soil
It is recommended to check even purchased special soil after purchase. For this:
- Moisten the lump of substrate with distilled water. Liquid passed through a filter is also suitable.
- Litmus paper is applied to the wet lump. The soil is suitable for use if it is green or yellow. This means the pH level is normal.
- Cannot be planted in alkaline soil. The paper will turn blue. Strongly acidic soil, which appears red, is harmful.
- Do not plant in soil containing petroleum products. To do this, a lump of earth is thrown into water and mixed. If a film or rainbow spots appear on the surface, the substrate is of poor quality.
Any soil can contain larvae and fungal spores invisible to the eye. Therefore, you should definitely keep it in the oven for a couple of hours.
Rating of store mixes
There are various options for mixtures, the composition of which has a balanced structure. Their basis is peat. The product is completely ready for planting and there is no need for additives.
Buy:
- Fasco "Lemon". Contains nutritional elements in balanced quantities.
- Terra Vita "Universal". A balanced soil containing all the necessary components. Before use, they are calcined in an oven to avoid the appearance of a large number of worms.
- Gardens of Aurica "Gardenia". Ideal chemical composition. Incoming components: sand, earth, broken brick. Plus, you don’t need to purchase additional drainage.
- Peat soil “For citrus fruits”. Manufacturer: Seliger-Holding. To preserve the structure, it contains a large-pored baking powder.
- Botanist's Dream "Lemon". Ideal ratio of microelements. Contains the required level of acidity.
- "Garden of Miracles". Contains essential minerals. You will have to add river sand before use. It can be purchased separately or prepared independently. Before adding it, it is washed and dried.
The right soil will provide a highly decorative appearance to the plant, accelerate development, and help it grow faster.
How to prepare soil for lemon yourself
A self-prepared mixture is many times better in quality. To do this, mix:
- washed and dried sand;
- forest land, not suitable from under coniferous trees;
- turf, take only the first 5 centimeters;
- humus, it must be completely ready;
- drainage is also added.
Before use, the homemade mixture is sifted.
For young plants it is enough to prepare from:
- turf soil;
- leaf humus;
- sand will be needed in small quantities;
- peat is also used in small quantities.
Prepare and mix the mixture at home in advance. Store in a cool place. A basement is ideal. Available as needed.
It is useful to add dolomite to the composition. It is sold in the form of flour. This helps reduce acidity in the peat substrate.
Choosing drainage for the plant
Before planting, be sure to purchase drainage. It will protect the root system from excessive waterlogging. Suitable for these purposes:
- crushed stone;
- fragments of clay dishes;
- expanded clay is created artificially, obtained by firing clay rock, sold in the form of balls, laid out on the bottom of the container;
- broken red brick;
- river pebbles.
The necessary ready-made material can be purchased at any flower shop along with a special primer.
