Lemon aid

Q How should I care for my potted lemon tree?

A Start by repotting it this spring, using lime-free John Innes compost – not multipurpose. You can buy summer and winter citrus feeds, each with slightly different nutrients. Keep the plant moist at all times because if it dries out the leaves will drop. Leaf drop also often occurs when the plant is moved, for instance, if you take it outdoors in summer then bring it indoors in autumn.

If you’re planning to keep it indoors all year round, give it a bright position. Citrus don’t really make good houseplants but should survive in a well-lit conservatory.

Keep it in frost-free conditions, with a minimum temp of 5C (41F) in winter.