Q: Please give instructions on how to store acorns, chestnuts, and fringe tree seed from now until the time to plant next spring.

A: These seeds from woody plants require a process called “stratification”: a two-month period of cold, moist conditions. Place two cups of sand in a bowl and add enough water to make it moist but not soggy. If it’s too wet, sop up excess water with a paper towel. Place a few nuts into individual resealable plastic bags along with a half-cup of damp sand. Seal and place in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Remove and plant seeds in late March. You could also accomplish this outdoors in a flower bed but you risk squirrels digging them up.