Hi all:

Suggestions are appreciated. My current plan for overwintering my Meyer lemon and key lime plants (Zone7) are to put the plants in a grow tent in my attached garage, with a timer-controlled grow light and an electric heater with a thermostat set to 48 F. That sound okay?

However, when I was thinking through and trying to set up and try out different ways to overwinter my plants, I put the lemon and lime plants in an outdoor tent with an electric heater during some cool nights. Am I correct in that what I am seeing here is damage caused by some of the branches being too close to the heater? It almost looks like the middle of the branch is dead (it is very light brown/stick colored). Can I or should I prune to cut away the damaged branches? Thanks.

It does look dire but the branch ends look healthy. I wouldn't do any pruning. If the branches actually do die, you can prune them back but let the tree leaf out next spring to determine how much pruning you need to do.

Your winter plans sounds good to me. Unless the lime is a key lime, both your trees will be fine to about 25 degrees.

Lucy68 said: It does look dire but the branch ends look healthy. I wouldn't do any pruning. If the branches actually do die, you can prune them back but let the tree leaf out next spring to determine how much pruning you need to do.

Your winter plans sounds good to me. Unless the lime is a key lime, both your trees will be fine to about 25 degrees.

Thanks for your thoughts.

In this case it actually is a key lime.

Sad about the damage I did, but live and learn, and definitely could have been worse. Looking forward to the spring growing season!

Key limes are not as hardy.

Some suggestions for winter... keep the temperature between 50 and 55, over 55 would be ideal.

Citrus need humidity but keep the air moving or you will be fighting mold and mildew.

Don't forget to water.

Hopefully you have good lighting. I would be using full spectrum LED lights rated at 2500 to 3000 lumens left on for 8 - 10 hours a day.

Lucy68 said: Key limes are not as hardy.

Some suggestions for winter... keep the temperature between 50 and 55, over 55 would be ideal.

Citrus need humidity but keep the air moving or you will be fighting mold and mildew.

Don't forget to water.

Hopefully you have good lighting. I would be using full spectrum LED lights rated at 2500 to 3000 lumens left on for 8 - 10 hours a day.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Also to clarify, it is the Meyer lemon that is damaged. But the lime plants we have are key lime.

My suggestions were for citrus in general but the key lime will be happy with them too.

I thought as such—just mentioning it in case it was not clear to anyone else entering into the discussion. Thank you.