Hi, we have a lemon tree that's not very happy and while its existing lemons are maturing it's not showing any new growth. I bought a packet of your Epsom Salts to see if that helps. My question is, how frequently should I apply the fertiliser?

Hi Brian, citrus can be fed in early spring and again in late summer or early autumn. If you are in a frost prone region then try not to feed too late into autumn as any new growth that emerges after feeding will not have had time to harden off and may get frost damage. Epsom Salts is a source of magnesium and is used to correct magnesium deficiency that shows up as yellowing leaves, but it is not a complete fertiliser that will give the tree everything it needs for healthy growth. consider why your tree may not be thriving, is there grass growing up around the base of the tree so it is competing for moisture and nutrients. Does it have insect pests weakening the growth and vigour of the tree. If so, ask your local garden centre for a suitable spray, citrus are susceptible to whitefly, scale insect, aphids and mealy bug. Once the fruit has been picked it may need a trim back to stimulate new growth, citrus fruit on new seasons growth. Does the tree get enough water in the growing season, mulch around the tree to help conserve soil moisture over the summer months. Do the branches look like they have holes bored into them, is there sawdust around the tree? We have a native beetle called the lemon tree borer that lays eggs on citrus and the lavae bore into the stems of citrus trees weakening growth. Garden centres can suggest borer treatments. The fruit on the tree are taking energy from the tree, remove a few lemons to lighten the load and help the tree recover so it can put on new growth. Lianne, Tui Team.