GROWING fruit in the garden — as with vegetables — is a great way to save money and to encourage kids to eat more fruit.
The easiest of fruit to start with, on both counts, is citrus.
A mature citrus tree will keep the family supplied for many weeks when in season, so choose several, bearing in mind when they mature for the best results.
Imperial mandarins are the first to mature and are in season now.
These are kids' favourites because they are sweet and juicy and so easy to peel.
Following the imperials come the bigger mandarins such as honey murcott.
Two or three trees will have the family eating mandarins all through winter, fighting off colds and flu with plenty of vitamin C.
Add an orange tree for summer, especially one where the fruit stays on the tree for a long period after maturing, a lemon tree to supply fruit all year round and a cumquat for jams and preserves.
Once established all citrus are extremely hardy.
The keys to success are:
■All citrus require a position in full sun all day.
■They need well-drained soil.
■Feed ideally in September, December and March with proprietary citrus food.
■Water regularly and don't let them dry out, especially in summer.
There are a couple of pests to be aware of, especially when the trees are young.
Citrus leaf miner is the most common and easily recognisable.
This little sucker lays eggs into newly forming shoots.
The eggs then hatch inside the leaf leaving tell-tale silver trails through the leaf causing it to shrivel.
Any nursery will point you in the right direction with both a treatment plan and the right food.
Got a question? Contact Michael Lee at greenthumbgardener.com.au.
