Posts Tagged: Citrus - General
Canines can detect trees infected with the bacterium that causes huanglongbing
Canines have a highly sensitive scent detection capability that is significantly better (parts...
Maci texas x264
Canine Maci in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.
How does a better trap improve Huanglongbing management?
Attractants for insect pests of agricultural crops play an increasingly important role in...
Research Snapshots Update
Since our last blog post, we have been busy writing up various new Research Snapshots covering a...
Fire Information
Fire Information
Tree and Vine Loss Calculators
Spread sheets to help you calculate loss
Calculate Cost of Fire Damage to Avocado and Citrus Trees
Information from Ben Faber, Soils and Water, Avocado and Minor Subtropicals Advisor
Information on how to care for fire damaged trees from Ben Faber, Soils and Water, Avocado and Minor Subtropicals Advisor
Information on fire ecology and fire safe landscaping for homeowners, developed by Sabrina Drill, Natural Resources Advisor
UC Center for Fire Research and Outreach
Information on fire science from UC experts. Includes information on how to make homes and other structures more fire resistant, developed by Steve Quarles, Statewide Wood Performance and Durability Advisor
Local Fire Departments - have regulatory information you may need
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Publications Available From University of California ANR Catalog
You can find the publications listed below at theUniversity of California DANR Catalog site (In the ANR Search type fire) and order more than one publication at a time or you may click on one of the links below.if you purchase a priced publication enter the promotion code PRVEN56 at check-out. You'll receive a 10% discount on your order, and a portion of the sales will benefit local programs.
A Property Owner's Guide to Reducing Wildfire Threat - describes ways homeowners can reduce the threat of fire to their property. Cost $1.50
Home Landscaping for Fire - Incorporating fire safe concepts into your landscape is one of the most important ways you can help your home survive a wildfire. FREE
Landscaping Tips to Help Defend Your Home from Wildfire - You can have both a beautiful landscape and a defensible fire-safe zone. FREE
Recovering from Wildfire - discusses issues that family forest landowners should consider following a wildfire. Cost $5.00
WildFire: How Can We Live With It? (DVD) - This program contains general information about wildland fire in California. Cost $20.00
Companion Set: How Can We Live with Wildland Fire? (Publication and DVD) - What role does fire play in the natural cycle and what choices can we make about coping with wildland fire? Cost $27.50
How Can We Live with Wildland Fire? - What role does fire play in the natural cycle and what choices can we make about coping with wildland fire? Cost $10.00
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Care of Potted Citrus
First of all, fertilize!
Citrus is a heavy feeder, particularly on nitrogen. Fertilizers are generally labeled with numeric ratios such as 3-1-1. Those numbers reflect the ratio of nitrogen (N) to phosphorus (P) to potassium (K), or N-P-K. Because citrus likes a lot of nitrogen, you want to purchase a fertilizer with at least a 2-1-1 ratio, or twice as much nitrogen as phosphorus and potassium. Citrus also requires trace minerals, which may be present in the fertilizer you purchase. If not, supplement with trace minerals such as a foliar kelp-based application. Feed according to the directions on the packaging.
Pruning
According to the Four Winds Growers website, citrus can be pruned any time of year, except in the winter for outdoor trees. If you will be overwintering your citrus tree indoors, you can prune now to reduce legginess and suckering. If your trees stay outside like mine, save the pruning for spring. Visit the Four Winds Growers website for more information on pruning.
Watering
Protect from Cold Temperatures
Citrus trees vary in the amount of cold they can tolerate. Lemon and lime trees are the most cold-tolerant, probably one reason why there are so many of them around the central coast. But all varieties of citrus need some protection from frost and/or freezing. A quick and short-lived plunge in temperature won't be as damaging as a prolonged exposure to cold. If you hear that a cold front is coming, get ready:
- Water all garden plants thoroughly before a freeze, since freezing soil will pull moisture from the plant roots
- Put old fashioned heat producing Christmas lights on your trees or landscape lights under your trees. Be careful that the hot bulbs don't come into direct contact with leaves as the leaves may scorch.
- Use frost cover blankets draped over your trees and attached to the ground to trap daytime heat. Be careful if using plastic covers because the trees could overheat during the day.
- If you have the space, you could also overwinter your citrus tree indoors to avoid frost. Move the tree gradually to avoid shocking it. It's also best to let the roots get a bit dry to ease the transition and prevent the roots from staying too wet through the winter. Ensure the tree gets at least 6 hours of sun per day, or supplement with grow lights. Once danger of frost has passed, gradually move the tree back to full sun in your yard.
The gift giving season is nearly upon us. Consider a potted citrus for yourself or a loved one! They'll repay you with evergreen foliage, sweet-smelling blossoms, and tasty fruit for years to come! For much more information on citrus, visit the Four Winds Growers website. There is also an abundance of information on citrus on the UCANR website (search for citrus). And visit our earlier blog post on how to prepare your citrus for winter here. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog so that you receive an email notification when a new post goes up. If you have questions, contact us online, by phone or in person to get answers to your gardening quandaries.
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