Stop buying tangerines. Here's how to grow hundreds at home

Tangerines are terrific fruits for providing essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, folate and potassium — a great way to add a little natural sweetness to your day. Do you know it's possible to grow this amazing citrus fruit at home? Whether you're trying to save money in the grocery budget, or you simply want to try your hand at gardening, growing tangerines is a fun option to try.

Keep reading to learn three ways you can tackle this fruit on your own.

Tangerines do really well in hot, sunny weather. So unless you live in a semitropical or tropical climate, you should plant your tangerine tree in a pot. Choose a medium-to-large size pot, so the roots have a little growing room, and select a sunny location for your plant. Tangerines thrive on neutral soil, so remove any excess peat from the roots before potting. For best results — that is, better fruit production — opt for a sprouted tree over seeds . If you're using a container, opt for dwarf versions of the tree.

If you're lucky enough to live in the right climate, you can grow your own tangerine tree in your yard. As with planting the tree in a pot, you should choose a sapling rather than a seed to start your crop. Find a sunny location, and dig a hole just bigger than the root ball.

Before planting, make sure the roots are loose. You may have to cut off any wrapping canvas and gently use your fingers to slightly loosen the roots from the ball. Cover with dirt, and keep your tree watered regularly for a few months and whenever it's been more than a week since rainfall.

You can grow tangerines from a seed, but be aware that the fruit this type of seed produces may not very tasty. However, the tree can make a pretty and lovely smelling decorative plant. As an added bonus, if your pets or kids nosh on the leaves, they'll be fine. The plant is nontoxic. The next time you buy a tangerine —or even a lemon! — cut the fruit in half, and keep the biggest seeds you can find. For best results, you'll want to plant them as soon as possible to keep the seeds fresh. Fill a 3-to-4-inch pot with soil, and plant all of your seeds about 1/2 inch deep. Moisten the soil, and cover the pot with plastic wrap to keep the soil moist.

Keep the pot out of direct sunlight. Once your first sprouts appear — and this can take up to two weeks — remove the plastic, and plant in a larger pot in a warm area with good sunlight. Water regularly, but be careful not to overwater them. Remember, patience is key. These plants grow slowly.

Do you know anyone who would love to grow their own citrus plant? Make sure to share these ideas with them on Facebook.
​