Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food
Releases nutrients slowly, improves the structure and moisture retention of the soil and encourages earthworms and beneficial soil micro-organisms.
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Here are some great tips for keeping your citrus trees in great condition.
We also recommend using drip irrigation twice a week to deep water trees in the warmer months. Be sure to see our tips on mulch or compost, but be sure to keep the mulch away from the tree trunk to avoid collar rot.
Fertilise
Feed your citrus with Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food three times a year, in early spring, summer and again in autumn. When the tree starts to produce fruit (normally in its 3rd year), feed weekly with Yates Thrive Citrus Liquid Plant Food.
Weed and Mulch
Apply or renew mulch over the root system of the citrus tree. One thing that citrus trees really hate is having to fight with grass growing right up against their trunks. Grass is so greedy it will gobble up any nutrients it can get at.
Clear grass away from the base by hand, or carefully spray with Yates Zero Rapid 1-Hour Action Weedkiller Ready to Use. When all the weeds and grass have gone, give the roots a really good drink and then put a 10 centimetre or more thickness of organic mulch (old manure, pea straw or compost) over the entire root area. Make sure that the mulch is not in contact with the trunk as because this will encourage root and collar rot.
Prevent Root and Collar Rot
And speaking of rots, citrus roots rot away very readily when the soil is heavy or clayey, and citrus bark can decay and lift from almost any part of the tree (collar rot). To combat this, avoid planting in poorly drained areas and plant in pots or raised garden beds filled with Yates Premium Potting Mix. If pots aren't an option, improve your soil by incorporating organic matter, like Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food and gypsum. Here are 5 Tips on Soil Improvement.
Control Insect Pests & Fungal Issues
Citrus trees are also attractive to a number of insect pests. Sap-sucking pests such as aphids, mealybugs and scale can be controlled with Yates Natures Way Organic Citrus, Vegie Ornamental Spray Ready to Use. If your tree is under attack by the lemon tree borer, spray with Yates Natures Way Natural Insect Spray Pyrethrum Concentrate.
Citrus fruits are susceptible to citrus brown rot and verrucosis/citrus scab. Treat them with Yates Copper Oxychloride Fungicide Wettable Powder.
Yates Thrive Citrus Liquid Plant Food
Provides your citrus trees with the balanced nutrients they require for healthy growth, fruit production and development.
Yates Nature's Way Organic Citrus, Vegie & Ornamental Spray
Unique organically certified pyrethrum and plant-based oil combination insecticide, with twin modes of action against garden pests.
Yates Copper Oxychloride Fungicide Wettable Powder
A fungicide that controls a wide range of fungal and bacterial diseases on fruit, vegetables and ornamentals, protecting the plant.
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