Quote:
Originally Posted by barnetmill
I am not following the reasoning given for not mulching. Most of us in the local gulf states mulch our banana plants to protect the p stem from frost. The mulch acts as an insulator to prevent the greater heat (calories) of the plant and ground from dissipating to equilibrium in and with the atmosphere. Mulching was recommended for satsuma tree growers in AL by the State of AL Agricultural people to encourage orange growing in the northern gulf coast of Mexico.
It was not my understanding that most lemon cultivars were more resistant than satsumas. But I have to qualify my statements in that I am not an "expert".
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The reason for not mulching the bottom is simple. Water releases it heat slower than the soil. If mulch is planted at the bottom of the plant in winter the heat from moist soil can not be released into the air around the tree.It remains trapped under the mulch.The mulch may keep the soil around the tree roots warmer, but it will stop the heat of moist soil from rising up around the top of the tree. THE TREE SHOULD ALWAYS BE WELL WATERED BEFORE A COLD NIGHT. ALSO TURNING ON SPRINKLERS WILL CAUSE THE LEAVES AND FRUIT TO COVER WITH ICE KEEPING THE LEAVES AND FRUIT UNDER THE ICE AT 32 DEGREES. THIS PREVENTS FURTHER DAMAGE. By no means take my word for it. There are some excellent books out there on growing citrus. It is true that lemons will take colder temps than oranges. The sweeter the fruit the warm the temperature it requires.