kawaiineko: You're on the right track keeping up with the weather & knowing that the plants can be aggravated when they're potted up, but that it helps them. I transplant mine either once or twice, depending upon start date. I start the seeds in whatever container (3 inch square pots this year with Pro Mix Seedling Mix) & keep them in there until they get rootbound (if using pellets or something smaller, transplant them earlier). At that point, in the past, i'd move them from the cell/pellet/etc. into 16-20 oz plastic cups which hopefully last until they go in their final homes. Trick is to only transplant when they get rootbound cuz it's much harder then to distrub them. They may very well still "stall" growth for a week or so after a potting up, but don't worry about this, they are growing where you can't see (roots) at that time. They'll take back off. Anyway, all this usually takes up about 2 months until they just have to go into their final homes. Hence, 2 months from last frost date here, which is the middle of February (ish). Hope this helps. :) - Steve

Thanks calistoga for the advice, I will leave them in there cells a little longer, but remove them from the bottom heat. It shouldn't be to hard to cut there cells away from the rest of the seed flat. I will just have to be careful not to jar the adjacent cells to hard. As for damping off, I am using an all natural product called Damp Aid. I mixed it into the growing medium before I sowed in the seed, and I also use it as a top dressing after watering. It has a wonderful sent to it, and so far seems to be working well. I also have good air circulation around the flat, the only draw back is that my soil drys out much faster so I really have to keep an eye on them. Thanks again for your advice, it is greatly appreciated!

My experience flies in the face of everything considered 'right' about growing avocado trees. For one thing, I never bother doing the toothpick thing--I just drop them in a bowl of water and wait. Once they crack and there's growth showing, off they go to a pot filled with potting soil--in full sun. Or not. Sometimes I just stick them in the ground. Do they grow? Why, yes, they do! It's hard to tell from this picture, but the avocado tree is about five feet tall; I have pics of it when it was a wee seedling back in 2009--in a pot in full sun. :) Do note that I'm in the San Gabriel Valley area of Los Angeles. We have no winter to speak of. My entire backyard is in full sun all day--full, HOT sun. We've been right at 100 for the last few days, and we broke numerous records this 'winter' with 90+ degree days.

The advantage of using coconut chips is when you are transplanting your citrus in a pot because of its optimal pH and well drainage capability. The citrus seem to love it so much. But you said you want to plant your lime in your backyard. One of the best authorities is citrus is Millet, he recommends to use the same soil as in your garden so there are no pool build up around your tree. I have different approach and it works for me for years and my plants are happy and thriving. I use good soil around my newly planted tree and a spade of steer manure and mixed it with sand and some bag of soil amendments. I think the roots need some nutrients in her new sorroundings. You are right not to put stress on your tree right now so as not to lose your blooms. When I transplant I gamble with the blooms or new fruit in my tree. Luckily for me I don't loose them because I was careful not to bother the root system. And if possible I put shade on my tree for 2 to 5 days depending on the weather.