We received an ice cream maker for our wedding over four years ago. Like everyone else who has an ice cream maker, we haven’t used it like we had planned. So, this year I am going to make sorbet…Lots of sorbet!

We started this year by using the basil that is growing out of control now on our patio. Here is the recipe we used:

Ingredients
2 3/4 cups water
2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons lemon zest
4 tablespoons lemon juice
24 basil leaves

In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sugar is dissolved, about 10 minutes. Add the basil and set aside to steep for 3 minutes. Strain syrup through a fine mesh sieve and set aside to cool. Transfer to the refrigerator until thoroughly chilled, then process in an ice cream machine according to your machine’s directions. Transfer to a freezer-proof container with a lid and freeze until ready to serve.

Our first attempt at this sorbet turned out a little too sweet, so I have adjusted the water/lemon/sugar ratios. I try it again soon, and hoping the adjustments help!

Dwarf citrus, like Meyer Lemon trees are especially suited for container growing as they can be kept at manageable sizes. Container growing allows gardeners to overcome poor soil conditions or limited space in a landscape. We keep our Meyer Lemon tree on our balcony away from windy conditions, but in a sunny spot.   Our tree currently has several small “lima bean” sized lemons on it.  Hopefully we get at least a few lemons this year!  We are currently in planting zone 10, but check the USDA planting zone for your area.   The lemon pictured was on the tree when we bought it.  We used that lemon on fish, but will definetely use our future lemons in a yummy desert.  Our neighbor has a beautiful lemon tree in his yard, but we have limited space, so containers work for us.

When repotting your citrus tree, do not start with a pot that is too large.  Pots that are too large make soil moisture levels harder to control with young/small trees. Be sure your container drains freely!  Drill more holes in the bottom of your pot if you are unsure.   Use a 12-14″ container for a 2-3 year tree, and as the tree grows, increase the container size to a 16-20″ diameter pot.  Citrus trees require soil that is moist but never soggy.  Check the root level to make sure it is not wet before watering.  We also keep our pots elevated a few inches on rollers so we don’t cause permanant water ring stains on our deck, and it also makes the tree more mobile if your need to move it in cooler weather.  Yellowing leaves indicate lack of fertilizer or poor drainage.