A gardener has shared how you can grow lemons from pips on your windowsill or in a greenhouse – saving money on expensive seeds and enjoying the experience in the process
Lemons are easy to grow at home (stock)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Spring has arrived – making it a perfect moment to begin growing seedlings ready for planting in your garden come summer. To help slash expenses, one gardening enthusiast has revealed how you can grow lemons on your windowsill or inside a greenhouse without splashing out on seeds.
In a TikTok clip, Simon, who goes by @simonsakeroydgardener online, explained how he simply buys wonky lemons from the supermarket and plants their pips in compost. He explained: “How to grow a lemon from the shops. Lemons are easy to grow from pips, even from ‘reject’ wonky lemons.
“Cut the lemon in half, collect the pips, soak them overnight, then sow the pips in compost and soon they will start to grow.”
With regular watering and ample sunshine, the lemon pips can develop into a “beautiful lemon bush”, enabling you to eventually pick your own fruit.
Responding to the clip, one viewer commented: “I grew about 30 from seed last summer. Surprisingly about 20 survived winter. I’m hoping to get them into bigger pots this year and maybe plant them in the ground in the middle of summer.”
Another said: “The trouble is where to keep it. I kept mine in the house for 10 years in a pot but it grew so big and had huge sharp thorns.
“When I finally put it outside it died in the frost. Unless you have a massive greenhouse that’s heated in the winter, you’re going to struggle.”
A third user commented: “I’m going to try this. I didn’t know you could grow them in England, but do you have to grow them indoors or outside? Please give me any advice.”
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It comes after another gardener issued a caution about mowing your lawn in March, suggesting it might be premature and potentially cause damage rather than benefit.
In a TikTok video, the gardening enthusiast, known as @lawnnature online, outlined why homeowners shouldn’t be hasty about cutting their grass in early spring. The caption states: “Everyone’s itching to get on the lawn… but trust me, wait!”.
Rather than rushing, he urged people to carry out a “squelch test” before dragging the lawnmower from storage.
He said: “If your foot sinks, your lawn isn’t ready.”
He explained: “As the spring season approaches, many homeowners are eager to enjoy their outdoor spaces and step onto their lawns. However, before you do that, it’s crucial to make sure your lawn is truly ready.
“One of the best ways to assess the condition of your lawn is by performing the squelch test. This simple check can prevent you from damaging your grass, especially if the ground is too wet.”
Conducting the squelch test is straightforward – just walk across your lawn and notice how the ground responds beneath you. Should your foot sink and the earth feel soggy, it indicates your lawn isn’t prepared for mowing or substantial footfall.
The expert continued: “Stepping on wet soil can compact it, leading to potential damage and hindering the growth of your grass. If your lawn fails the squelch test, don’t worry.
“There are several alternative ways to spend time in your garden whilst you wait for the right conditions.”
As an alternative, he proposed jobs including aerating your turf, removing garden waste, or sketching out your planting scheme.
He added: “These activities can promote healthy grass growth and prepare your lawn for the warmer months ahead.
“In conclusion, always check the state of your lawn before stepping outside with the mower. By doing the squelch test and following proper lawn care guidance, you’ll maintain a beautiful and healthy outdoor space.”
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