Frost isn't really an issue here (fortunately!), Patty. I've lived in SF now for nearly 20 years and we haven't gotten down to freezing temps except maybe 2-3 times during that period(?). I recall once in the early '90s we had a hint of snow in the air, but it quickly disappeared by the time it hit the ground. The micro-climates in the region are REALLY intersting. Down the Peninsula or across the GG Bridge in Marin, which may be as close as 5-10 miles away, they may experience frost (sometimes occasionally during the winter!), and SF will always be warmer than these adjacent counties due to the tempering influence of water along its 3 sides. When others are freezing, we usually get no colder than the low 40s, maybe 38F or so at the worst... But the ocean's moderating effect also holds true in the summer - when others are sunny and warm/hot, we are foggy and COLD, and herein is my problem for trying to grow certain kinds of citrus. Oh well, "no pain, no gain", I guess. The only way to truly know whether orange/mandarin varietals will grow in my area is to give it a try, right? I just wished it didn't take the better part of 3 years to derive an answer! I'll keep my fingers crossed that my 'Gold Nugget' will make it through to fruit, as I'm quite keen to taste a mandarin that has such a high reported brix content (up to 17.5%)!

Toni, The soil tests seem to run from $20-50. If the plants are growing in various brands of potting soil that have had several years of different fertilizers dumped on them, the test would be mostly accurate for one plant only. What about the other 200-400 plants in the yard? IÂve used a slow release fertilizer with trace nutrients on my roses. I forget if it was 9 or 12 months. However, it degenerated rapidly, was gone by July from a January feeding. Are there slow release citrus fertilizers, with trace copper and minerals, that would work with both potted citrus and citrus in the ground? Meters for pH can vary in their accuracy. I tried to find some specs on the degree of accuracy of the Rapitest, and couldnÂt find any, even on the Luster Leaf website. Do you use it with the special cleaning pads after each test? The Kelway pH reader, for example, has an accuracy of + or - .2 . Test strips are supposed to be fairly accurate also. Usually my plants tell me when there is a pH problem, with hydrangeas blooming pink, in spite of the blueing formula, leaves that are supposed to be dark green turning a light green, either with the whole leaf, or just the veins, or weak, spindly growth. Our water here is very alkaline, so it goes that direction easily. I've tried Superthrive a few times, but haven't noticed much difference.

Here is CLOWNS IN WASHINGTON as it grows here. The name makes me laugh whenever I pass by it! I sent Bret a name which he will hopefully use next year. It will be a perfect companion daylily for CIW!! I like several of his names for cultivars, such as DESPERATE HOUSECATS. Don't grow that one but do grow ONE CAT TOO MANY.

Hi Sunnyorchard, To answer your questions... !. It all depends on how quickly it dries out. There are many factors that determine this and it will be up to you to judge when to water. Usually picking up the pot right after watering and then feeling the difference in weight when dry will help. Using a wooden dowel or wooden kabob stick will help you gauge too. 2. If I lived there I would plant right into the ground in the shade and water well before I left until I got back and then plant where you want. you could have a neighbor water it with a garden hose for you too... 3. What do ,most Citrus growers out there use? What do the local nurseries use to keep them so healthy? Do they acidify their water when they fertilize? I would find out. A lot of us use Foliage Pro and vinegar depending on the pH of their water. How is your ground soil? Do you need to amend with some compost or something? I always do anyways. 4. I never pinch any fruit of of mine, ever, not even a flower...But many do to encourage further growth of their trees.. Sounds like you live in the perfect area for in ground citrus..I wish I could do the same..Many here will share what they think since many are in ground growers...