Q: Our magnolia tree has beautiful red seed pods on it. Can I plant them to make baby magnolias?

A: Get started now before the squirrels beat you to it! First, pick the seeds out of the pod. Remove the fleshy red seed coats by soaking seed overnight in warm water. Rub the seeds vigorously on a rough surface and the light-colored “true seed” inside the skin will appear. Plant them now, 1/2″ deep in a sunny spot. Not all will sprout; my estimation is that you’ll get 10 – 20% germination next year.