While I’m not a masterful fruit grower, I manage to successfully harvest the ones in my yard. I live in suburban town, so I don’t have a grove, but I do have a pear, two apricot, an orange, and three columnar apple trees. And finally, this year we have a dwarf Improved Meyer lemon tree.

When you’re an urban or suburban farmer, it’s best to stay with the dwarf varieties because you can get so many more squeezed onto your property. My lemon will grow to about 15 feet tall if it’s planted in the ground and 7-10 feet if it’s planted in a large pot. Getting this particular fruit tree was like scratching a never-ending itch. I use lemons so much in my cooking, iced tea, and fruit water that I find it hard to believe that we only recently planted one of our own.

Of course there are those that would argue that the Improved Meyer I purchased isn’t botanically a lemon tree at all, but rather a lemon-mandarin orange cross. And while that type of comment is rather snarky – they would also be correct. The Myer lemon tree was developed in China and brought to the US in 1908.

The “Improved Meyer” part came in when growers developed a tree that had better disease tolerance then the original run-of-the-mill Meyer. Its fruit is rounder and sweeter (less tart) than those of other lemon varieties. They’re quite succulent and become an orange-yellow color when they’re ripe.

Another plus about the Improved Meyer is that it can take colder temperatures than other lemon varieties. They’re good until temperatures hit about 54 degrees – after that they’ll go dormant. But dormant doesn’t mean “dead”. This tree can take short cold dips anywhere from 10 – 28 degrees. They can’t take that for long, though.

So, if you’re in a super cold zone, bring them indoors for the winter and once spring shows up again – scoot them back onto the porch. If you’re lucky, the tree will bloom before it even makes it outdoors again. If it does – lucky you! The blossom’s scent is heavenly.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Flat Soaker Hose 75 150 FT for Garden Beds

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Consistent & Even Watering Drip Irrigation Hose: Makes use of a clog-resistant fabric cover recycled vinyl for consistent slow soaking seep throughout its entire length. Deliver water to the entire area that it covers. Only certain areas of your garden bed getting watered. For waste-free watering in garden beds and other tight spaces. Waters the base of the plants so less water-related leaf damage. Linkable Garden Soaker Hose For DIY Irrigation System: End to end connectable drip water hose, flexible versatile Above-ground or bury it below a up to 3-inch layer of mulch or soil; this fit with garden hose threads and come with rust resistant end caps that make it possible to connect multiple hoses and works well with timers. Maneuverability And 100% Environmentally Friendly Drip Hose: Double layer design PVC Covered With Extra-Strength Fabric material protect from sun damage than rubber weeping hose; ensure the longevity of the soaker hose, which is ideal for you using it regularly through all seasons in your garden. Made of 100% environmentally friendly recycled vinyl, pass CA65 test, water is safe for ground which makes it perfect for use with vegetables, herbs, and other edible plants. Easy To Store Flat Soaker Hose: This irrigation drip hose flat design is kink-resistant, lies flat makes it a breeze to roll up and store for next season.The flat shape also makes it simple to snake under existing plant growth. One-Year Warranty on Flat Soaker Hoses: Ensure a water pressure of 40-90 psi for best results—hot water is not suitable.

Buy at Amazon

A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

Buy at Amazon

Tubtrugs SP42GBK Flexible Black Gorilla Large 38 Liter/10 Gallon Capacity

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

2 comfort grip handles. Flexible sides for shaping against a wall or floor. Reinforced ribbing for extra strength. 100% recycled construction. Nontoxic, toy safe.

Buy at Amazon