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Lemon Lab for Families: Grow, Taste, and Discover Science Together

  • Keywords
  • Grow lemon at home
  • Family science activity
  • Kids gardening
  • Lemon science
  • pH Experiment
  • Kids gardening

At Science Market Uppsala, we believe that science is best learned with your hands—and sometimes, a little bit of lemon juice! Our Lemon Lab is a family-friendly workshop where you’ll explore the journey of the lemon, make delicious lemonade, and even start growing your own lemon tree at home.

Step-by-Step: How to Grow a Lemon Tree from Seed

1. Gather Your Materials

  • 1 ripe (preferably organic) lemon
  • Paper towels
  • Small plastic bag or container
  • Pot with drainage holes
  • Citrus or universal potting soil mixed with sand

2. Prepare the Seeds

  • Cut the lemon and remove several seeds.
  • Rinse seeds under running water to remove pulp.
  • (Optional) Peel off the thin, transparent seed coat to speed up germination.

3. Germinate the Seeds

  • Wrap seeds in a damp paper towel.
  • Place the towel in a plastic bag or container.
  • Keep in a warm, dark place (like above the fridge).
  • Check after 1–2 weeks for sprouting.

4. Plant the Sprouted Seeds

  • Fill a pot with well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5).
  • Plant seeds 1–2 cm deep.
  • Water gently and place in a warm, bright spot (but not direct sunlight).

5. Care for Your Lemon Seedlings

  • Ensure 6–8 hours of light daily (use a grow light if needed).
  • Keep soil moist but not soggy.
  • When the plant grows stronger, transplant to a larger pot.

6. Be Patient!

  • Lemons grown from seed may take 5–10 years to bear fruit.
  • For faster results, consider grafting onto an established rootstock.

Science in Every Sip: Make Lemonade & Measure Acidity

After planting, make fresh lemonade together! Use a homemade pH indicator (like red cabbage juice) to measure how acidic your lemonade is. This is a fun, hands-on way to introduce the concept of pH value and talk about taste, chemistry, and health.

Actionable Points for Families

  1. Start your lemon-growing project together—track progress in a family science journal.
  2. Make and taste homemade lemonade, then experiment with pH indicators.
  3. Explore the lemon’s history—where did your fruit come from?
  4. Share your lemon plant’s journey with us at Science Market Uppsala!
  5. Keep experimenting—try growing other citrus fruits or testing different soils.

Science is everywhere—even in your kitchen! Let us know how your Lemon Lab goes by tagging us on social media or leaving a comment below. Happy growing!

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