The Monroeville Garden Club had their first meeting of the new year on Valentine's Day at Monroeville Presbyterian Church. The meeting was hosted by Mrs. Nancy Zeibach and the program was titled "Citrus in the Southern Garden." Guest speaker was Mr. Tom McLemore from the Capital City Master Gardeners Association in Montgomery. Mr. McLemore has been a member of the CCMGA since 2009, serving as President for some of that time. His farming experience spans from cotton to cattle to soybeans, and his citrus crops are nothing short of impressive. Meyer lemons, Satsuma oranges, grapefruits, and kumquats are just a few of his favorites. 

Let's talk citrus: In favorable conditions, it can flourish in south Alabama. Citrus plants love sunshine and good dirt that drains well. They also need room to grow. Be mindful of underground pipes (septic lines, irrigation systems, etc) as their roots can be invasive. Fertilizing your plants will provide necessary nutrients and help to protect them from disease, but you'll want to be sure of what to use and when.

Cold weather is one of the biggest threats to citrus in our area, but some varieties (Satsuma oranges and kumquats) are more cold-tolerant than others. You might consider starting smaller plants out in containers so they can be moved in freezing temperatures. Larger plants can be put in-ground, but will require some TLC to thrive in the cold. No greenhouse? No problem! Simply frame the area around and over your plants using PVC or metal pipe, then drape heavyweight fabric over the top. Mr. McLemore suggests using carport covers. Secure the bottom of the fabric so that cold air isn't coming in and warmth from the sun doesn't escape. You might even hang old-fashioned Christmas lights from the tree branches to provide a little heat, as does Mr. McLemore. Some farmers with large citrus crops may water the ground around their trees a few days before a freezing forecast because the water in the soil stores heat from the sun and will slowly release it back to the roots of the plant. There are also farmers who will spray water on their citrus trees during a freeze to keep the fruit from falling to the same temperature as the cold air. As crazy as it seems, the ice acts as a sort of insulator and releases heat during the change of energy when it melts.

 If you are considering growing citrus and have questions, www.fourwindsgrowers.com and www.tropicalfruitforum.com are great sources of information, or reach out to your local county extension office. Citrus plants are beautiful and fragrant, and the fruit is chock-full of vitamins. In general, there isn't much not to love!

After the presentation, club members and guests enjoyed Valentine's Day treats including heart-shaped chicken salad sandwiches, toasted pecans, fruit skewers with strawberries, pineapple and grapes, a beautiful chocolate layer cake, and conversation heart candies. Beverages included lemon water and punch. The table was decorated with a lovely centerpiece of red and white roses and heart-shaped cutouts.