Lemons are the juiciest fruit you will put your hands on, and their citrusy flavor is a great addition to every smoothie and dessert. These citruses are incredibly healthy and offer tons of essential nutrients and antioxidants.

They are abundant in vitamin C, and also offer a healthy amount of riboflavin, thiamin, iron, magnesium, pantothenic acid, fiber, vitamin B6, potassium, copper, calcium, and folate.

Juicy lemons were first “made” as a cross between limes and citrons. The Arabs brought them to Europe. Christopher Columbus took them all the way to the New World during his second trip in the late 15^th century.

During the California Gold Rush, miners ate lemons to prevent scurvy. This disease is triggered by vitamin C deficiency.

Health benefits of lemons

1. They boost your immune response
2. Balance your pH value and neutralize acids which in turn relieves pain and reduces inflammation
3. Lemons reduce the risk of developing cancer. Limonoids have shown great results when used against mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon
4. Lemon scent boosts mood, reduces anxiety and treats depression
5. Lemons prevent rheumatoid arthritis
6. Citruses optimize liver function
7. Enhance digestion
8. Promote healthy weight loss

Lemon water is the perfect way to add more vitamin C to your menu. This incredible drink will help you lose weight, feel better and improve your skin complexion. Always use organic lemons.

But, if you can’t find any, plant your own lemon tree!

Grow your lemon tree from seed, and have a great supply of organic lemons.

The best lemons

If you live in cold areas, always use Meyer lemons. They grow well indoors. If your climate allows “free” gardening, use pretty much any type of lemons.

Potting soil

Lemons grow well in soil rich in peat, perlite, vermiculite and organic fertilizer. The soil needs to be light so it can drain well. If your soil is heavy, add hardwork bark chips.

Right container

Use a smaller container for your tiny plant. Start with 8-inch pots and then transfer the plant into a 12-inch container. Use pots made of wood, plastic or terra cotta. Don’t forget the drainage holes!

Light

Lemons need 10-15 hours of light every day. Place the pot in spots that get enough sun from a southern exposure. If you can’t do this, install 40-watt fluorescent shop lights above your lemon tree.

Watering

The soil needs to be moist all the time. Citrus plants need infrequent deep water when grown indoors. In spring and summer, put the plant outside, and stick to frequent shallow watering.

Your plants needs to be watered once or twice a week. Of course, this depends on the season and your weather.

Sprouting

Dampen the soil in your pot. Pick the best seed of your organic lemon, and remove the fibers using a paper towel. Dampen the seed, and plant it about half-inch below the surface. Add a thin layer of soil. Spray with water, and cover the pot with breathable plastic.

Keep the container in a warm spot for a few days. The soil needs to be moist and warm. Find the right spot. You don’t want the roots to rot from too much heat or water either.

The first sprout will come out in two weeks. Remove the plastic, and put your pot in a warm spot that gets a lot of sun.

Tips for healthy growth

Use organic fertilizer like vermicompost or compost once the plant develops leaves. Feed it once or twice a year. Make a small trench around the base, and fill it with compost. Water it well. Less I best, remember? This applies to the fertilizer.

Puddles of stagnant water will kill your plant. Give it a lot of sun.

If this is too complicated for you, get a fully-grown tree. It will produce fruit in the first year. Meyer Lemon Dwarf Trees are a good option. Their fruits have more delicate flavor than store-bought fruits.

Sources:
homeguides.sfgate.com
www.naturallivingideas.com