Vitamin C is essential and getting it can be costly in stores. Oranges are quite expensive and given their time in transport and storage, they spoil pretty quickly. To get our C, we usually buy lemons, limes, pomegranates (also very expensive) and other fruits or juices.

To gain some independence in this citrus game, we need citrus trees. However, citrus trees are not made for Ohio weather. For years we contemplated buying a lemon tree but recently settled on a lime tree instead. Meet our lime tree, currently 3.5 feet and growing.

Dwarf trees are trees that grow to a height of 15 feet or less. That’s still too large for us so we searched and found a version cultivated especially for container gardens. We are testing the variety out in a large container of potting soil, in a heated space, surrounded by plastic to keep it warmer. Next June, Olodumare-permitting, we will set it out for the three (four?) hot months wrapped in an insect-proof netting. The changes in our climate will dictate what we do.

According to people in the know, the lime tree will grow for a few years before it starts to produce fruit and by year five it will be in full swing. Gardening is a waiting game and we can do nothing to hurry it along. Patience grasshoppers…

We will check back in periodically to comment about the tree, whether it lives or not, how quickly it develops, and when we start to see flowers. Let’s grow something!