Question
Hi, I live in Fort St. John, BC, and I am very interested in growing tropical fruit trees among other tropical trees. The winters here are very harsh (we're a zone 2 I believe) and I don't have a lot of outdoor options. What can I do to keep my seedlings and young trees from going kaput this winter? What kind of lights and irrigation system would I need to make sure everything survives? I have a few large fish tanks in the basement so its always humid down there at least. Right now I have growing: Starfruit, Mango, Papaya, Leechi nut, Avacado, Banana (small decorative variety), and I'm waiting on Lime and Orange to sprout. Thanks

Ryan

Answer
Hi Ryan,
I used to grow a lot of tropical stuff and I too live in a non-tropical area.  I keep them in large pots and keep them well watered and fertilized.  No fertilizing and minimal watering in the winter so they kind of go dormant.  They will get ratty looking and lose some leaves and luster but they'll be okay.  Keep them pruned so you can maintain the plants in dwarf condition.  Keep them warm.  I have a patio double door and it faced the east and was perfect for my plants although it did clutter the kitchen.  I don't have to answer to anyone else about the condition of my house so, I didn't have any trouble cluttering the kitchen with my plants.  I had a calamondin orange, avocado, tamarillo, several palms, carob, vanilla orchid and frangipani amongst others.  I still have several of these plants.  Now, I use the basement and keep a 100 watt light going all winter long, minimal water and this time I had oleander, palms, bird-of-paradise, cacti, frangipani, all doing well outdoors on their summer vacation.  I have had citrus do well and it is easy to keep small.  Just keep cutting back the central leader.  I hope this helps.
Tom