A grove is a long investment, and the yearly routine decides how well it pays. Citrus asks for steady feeding, even moisture and clean picking.
Feeding through the year
Nitrogen drives growth and fruit set and is best split into several small doses. Potassium improves fruit size and quality. Watch for magnesium, zinc and iron shortages, which show as pale or patterned leaves; a leaf test tells you more than guessing.
Water
Citrus likes even moisture. Long dry spells followed by heavy watering cause fruit to split and drop. Water around the drip line of the tree, not against the trunk.
Picking
Pick by colour and taste, not by date. Clip the stem close and place fruit in clean crates rather than throwing it. Use ladders on firm, level ground and keep the rows clear so crates can be collected without damaging trees.
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