Thanks for those fantastic pictures! There's nothing more delicious than freshly picked citrus (especially those oranges). You're right though, it is sad to see that orchard going to waste and many of the SoCal suburbian neighborhoods were built on old citrus groves with some of the magnificent trees still standing in peoples' backyards. In some neighborhoods, you can stand by one of the citrus trees and then notice that several trees in adjacent yards are all in a line. Don't worry too much about the lemon tree as I've seen them grow pretty rapidly. I also always liked the nice privacy screen and windbreak provided by those Italian cypress. I hope you did get a chance to cover them tonight! Its pretty cold for SoCal!

Thanks All! Stoney: not worried about it getting pollinated. Just worried that I may be a bit too old and I croak before the thing starts pumping out a good amount of fruit... LOL Sandy: I knew I'd hear from you...LOL Always glad to keep you inspired through the winter and spring. :) Look forward to some pics. Jay: Cages aren't too much of a concern on the superhots, but on the Annuums(large fruited, in particular), they definitely help. Stakes are generally good enough of the Chinense. Seysonn: Started late--- wasn't going to do anything at all because of the drought. This year, I probably could've planted in early March(it's been so warm), but I usually don't plant until April 1. Usually is still too cool at night in March. Josh: I hear ya. Part of my delay was just to keep them in pots rather than extra water in the ground. Should be heating up there this week. Supposed to be in the 100's this week. I'm sure it'll spread up there. Btw, many thanks for the seeds --- Also have 2 black pearls but the other is nothing but green foliage(flowers look right on it though).. Just thought I'd let you know. Bill. Thanks Bud. Just trying to aspire to be more like my favorite Canuck Chilehead. Never worried -- One of the reasons why I almost always grow at least 2 of each. Glad to hear the weather's warming up in the North. Tom: thanks for the info on those Romas. I normally don't grow any paste, but thought I'd switch it up a bit this year. I saw that pic of your cages. Looks pretty impervious. Once again, Thanks everybody. Kevin

Thanks tropicalbreezent. Well, the guy I talked to yesterday said 18" since it was a 15 gallon. Have no idea why that would make a difference. Yeah. It's pretty much just a main concern for this tree. I know from the home kits, it's up there. and my muni water is at 8.1 according to the district guy I talked to. If it was just for normal veggies, it wouldn't concern me so much. Most veggies like slightly acidic also, but not down to 6 like the avocado, from what I've read. Not to mention, I would just hate to make the investment in the tree(money and time) and 5 years later, it's suffering and crap harvests. Kevin

When it gets 15' tall it shouldn't (in theory) need the extra care.. I might be wrong about your avocado but they get hardier with age and size (I have a Fantastic). One thing I do for my mangoes is (of course) put a tent around it.. if the temps are dropping below where I feel comfortable with just a tent, I'll string Christmas lights. Another thing I do is drape a sleeping bag on the ground around the base & trunk, and I throw a couple hand warmers in with the sleeping bag. You can get a pack of 10 from Walmart for like 5 bucks or something.. the kind that activate with air temps.. know the ones I'm talking about? They work great, last 8-10 hours and help keep the ground warm. Added bonus with the tent is that it contains some of the heat they give off. Some people use spaceheaters but I have too many trees to do that. Using the aforementioned measures has worked just fine :).