if its a really young tree, strong winds could break off branches, or if the pot is small/light it could get blown over. you could use a larger/heavy pot to place it in so it wont get blown over.

1) Most citrus do best in "Mediterranean" climates, ie, Italy, California, etc. This means their optimal temperature is from 24 C to 30 C. But they will grow in a much wider range. The research I have seen says the minimum is about 12.5 C and max is around 39 C. SO, the 20 C should be fine, 10 C not so much. 2) Yep, citrus have been grown in pots for centuries. 3) In my experience sudden changes in any environmental conditions (light, temperature, or water) and the citrus rebel quite strongly with leaf drop and general pouting for weeks to come. It's best to slowly move them in doors or out doors over a period of several weeks; gradually increasing their exposure to the target environment. Even still I always get some leaf drop. 4) As long as you don't burn the leaves with super strong concentrations they don't seem to be that sensitive to sprays. 5) Citrus roots need plenty of oxygen and room to breathe. It's an absolute must that the soil dry slightly between waterings or the roots will rot. There is even a special soil mix many on this forum use to try and prevent over watering.

Hi Jill, First of all, congrats on having a lemon tree in Minnesota! That's probably not too common of a thing. Well before any big gains can be made, it is going to be helpful if we knew a little more about your plant. One main thing is the soil that is in, I have just learned this recently. A lot of members and myself now included don't like many potting mixes and prefer to either do a 5:1:1 mix or Al's gritty mix, you can look those up here if you are curious as to what they are. Generally the problem with potting soil is that the water does not drain well enough and the soil stores too much moisture, which can lead to gnats or root rot. So it is probably to your advantage to change it. The next thing is what type of fertilizer you are using? Since it is a container plant, the nutrients in the soil get used up quickly, especially nitrogen. These deficiencies in nutrients could be the cause of the yellowing of your leaves. My guess that the reason that it goes into shock outside is because it hasn't had time to adjust. Usually you want the plan t in shade for a week or two before putting it in full sun. Another thing to worry about is how cold it is getting a night, so make sure to watch those temps and bring it in for the night if needed. I am by no means no expert like many on here so the information you provide about the kind of soil you have now, fertilizer you use, your watering habits and the general habits of how you take care of your plant will help others help your plant. this is only a start to a massive amount of help you will get! Nate

Hi Jerry, Are you near Aurora? Is that how you found Schaefers? Did you ever shop at Jamacan Gardens..there's one in Morton Grove and another in Libertyville. They both sell citrus and a million other tropicals.. 12.99 is a good price, especially compared to many other citrus nurseries around. My brother bought me a small citrus 2 yrs ago, (don't know name of nursery) up north for about the same price, but it's only 1-1 1 1/2' tall..It has baby lemons growing though..I imagine it's a dwarf. I should check if it's the same nursery cause Schafer sounds familiar, even though I've never been to one..As far as Lowe's, there aren't any nearby, not here, sw of Chicago. I think most are up north and west. Thats too bad about your Kumquat..I feel they're one of the easist citrus to grow..and fruit often. You're doggie was a bad girl, huh? LOL..nibbling on fruit..shame on her. I've never had luck w/4winds citrus. I admit, I ordered from them some time ago, but what they sent were 2 bare-root citrus that were super small. They didn't last more than a few months..they didn't look well upon arrival, but perhaps 4Winds are now sending better looking trees. Meyer's seem to be ever-flowering and fruiting..I grow all my citrus about the same way..as much light as possible, well-draining soil, citrus fertilizer, a summer outside. In winter they're kept on the cool side..in other words, a room that is semi-heated..No heating vents. South windows, w/some west. Artificial light at night. Before bringing plants indoors I spray foliage w/Fish Emulsion..it prevents scale and since it's sold as an organic fertilizer, used as a last foliar feeding. While plants are indoors in winter, mine are misted daily. Better yet, if managable size, taken to sink and hosed or showered..No fertilizer in winter.. Since you're in Il, you know humiidty decreases once the heat is turned on..Buy a humidifer..they work fantastic, Jerry. And like I stated above, humidity is also the reason I mist foliage..If your tree is small, you can also place a humidity tray under pot..Place stones/rocks on a larger saucer and keep filled w/water..don't let water touch roots though... To check if soil is moist or dry use the finger method..stick finger in soil as deep as it goes..if it comes out dry, then it's time for a drink..if your finger comes out wet then wait a few days and recheck. Or you can test by lifting pot..dry soil ='s a light weight pot..if heavy it's still moist/wet. I wait until soil looks crumbly before watering. One problem in winter is bugs. Do you use insecticides? I don't believe in using (most) chemicals so make up my own concoction for mites..But that's jumping the gun.. I believe you said your citrus are outside now, right? Keep out till temps are about 40F. Before bringing indoors, hose off thoroughly. You can either bring in gradually, to adapt to lower light conditions or all at once, as long as you have a bright window, and heat isn't yet turned on. Because of the change, a few yellow leaves are inevitable, just pluck them off. Anyway, Jerry, like I said, I grow all citrus the same way. The only citrus I've yet to get to fruit is my Orange Navel..I believe it needs longer summers, something we don't have here in IL. I can't keep a Buddha Hand either.. I planned on ordering another this spring, but w/the ban in Fl, the two places I order citrus from cannot ship..Briteleaf and Harriscitrus Their trees are fairly tall, bug-free, and inexpensive..15-20.00 per tree..Well, there's always next yr..hopefully by then the ban will be over. That darn canker has caused so much damage..u know? What is number 5? LOL You don't use Citrus fertilizer? I don't see any problem with it, and most here who grow citrus use some form of time-release citrus food. What type of Osmocote do you use? Does it contain nutrients like iron, mag, etc? Also, isn't Osmocote a form of time-release? I think I'd look into citrus food if I were you..though, Jerry, don't think I'm telling you what to do..okay? This is what I'd do w/my own citrus. I don't knowi if Hoffman has a website, but that's the brand I use..check it out when u have time. I also picked up a box of citrus food at Jamacan Gardens..Price wasn't bad. I'm sure Ebay sells citrus food, too. Are u going to buy the Eureka? Good luck Jerry..Toni