caring for an outdoor lemon tree

[oops!!!]

iIhave been bought a large outdoor lemon tree. It is in a very big terracotta pot.How do I care for it specially in this very hot weather.
Thanks in advance

[WendyS]

Well, normally lemons grow in hot mediterranean climates so by the law of averages the hot sun shouldn't bother it too much. However, I'd make sure the compost is kept really moist and if you can, keep the leaves misted regularly as well. It sounds as if your teraccotta pot will be too heavy to move to a shadier place but you can buy cast iron "dishes" on casters from garden centres if you want to move heavy pots around. They're not cheap though.

[oops!!!]

Thanks Wendy for that good advice which I will follow.

[janetsflower]

I don't keep mine continually moist but give it a good drenching and then let it almost dry out before doing it again as thats more natural to the mediterranean climate, and i wouldn't mist leaves in this weather if its in the sun either as that will encourage them to burn, but hey who says i am right and wendy is wrong, we're all entitled to differing opinions and i have only had my orange and lemon trees for five years. They will incidently need protection from frost later in the year and if you aren't able to move them inside give them a good blanket of fleece

[oops!!!]

Thanks to you too janetsflower.Now Ihave a good idea how to look after my new lemon tree.Today I gave it a good soaking so that should be enough or a while. I will keep my eye on it for when it needs the next drink.
Perhaps it will be ok if i spray the leaves in the evening time when the sun has gone down.
We will see .
Thanks again both of you for the advice.I really want to look after my lovely lemon tree and hope I am a good parent to it .