Question
Dear Michael,
Please permit me a double question many of us on Central and Gulf Coast Florida are probably wondering.
1) Tomato Plants, what is too cold for tomato plants? What actual temperature will devastate my crop. I grew about 200 plants under grow lights and have begun moving them outdoors on warm sunny days.
2) Avocado Trees, we've had back to back frosts this year. My avocado look awful, all brown. Should Leave well enough alone and wait till spring or begin pruning them back now?
Thank you Michael. We here on the Central Gulf Coast (St. Petersburg)appreciate greatly all your insightful advise.


Answer
Tomatoes should never be exposed to even the slightest of frosts. Even when hardening them off by gradually placing them outdoors in preparation for planting, they should never be left out when the temperatures threaten to fall below 40F. Also, when first placing them outdoors, protect them from direct sunlight to prevent sun scald.

You definitely do not want to prune the avocados until all danger of frost has passed. Pruning the limbs will expose fresh cuts to the cold air which will do more damage. You also do not want to stimulate new growth until spring.

I hope this answered your questions. Please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike