Hi all,
I recently obtained a few citrus trees (an unidentified Lemon? as an air layer in January, a Meyer Lemon on Carrizo a couple weeks ago, a Persian Lime airlayer in early August and a White Grapefruit on Volkamer Lemon, as well as one or two seedlings). All my citrus trees are in containers as our soil sits on a large layer of hard oolithic limestone bedrock. Since the city water is pumped from aquifers in this bedrock it is also considerably alkaline (tested 8.3+ on my dad's pH kit).
Has anyone any experience with acidification for their water for container plants? I realize growing ground is a bit different from growing in containers. I have some battery acid on hand, but do my have a pH tester that goes under 7 to see how much I need to lower the pH to around 6 (and 5 for my blueberry). One teaspoon of 3.3% concentration battery acid drops it to just above 7, but I'm not sure that 1 teaspoon always causes 1 unit drop in pH. Any advice appreciated!
Also, I read that Volkamer Lemon is more tolerant of alkaline conditions that Carrizo. If so perhaps I could try growing it in ground if I can figure out the irrigation situation? My soil is very sandy and low organic matter, basically a mirror of south Florida. I would probably have to mulch for moisture conservation. Thanks in advance! I have questions about fertilizing as well but those can wait.
Dan