Question
Realizing that it is rather difficult to grow an avocado plant in a pot on the counter, I will be very hurt if you confirm my fears that I may have overwatered and killed my plant.  All the leaves are drooping and wilted and some feel very dry and brittle to the touch.

Answer
Dear Angela,

Well I don't want to hurt you - far from it - so what shall I tell you?

Unless your plant is swimming in water I doubt if you have overwatered it as they do like plenty of water in the Spring and Summer - much less in the winter.  They also enjoy a position in good light.  

The top half of the stone should be uncovered and the plant should be fed once a month between March and September.  I should cut off any growth which is wilted, dried up etc and that will encourage new growth.  You can pinch out the growing tip also as that will increase the bushiness of the plant otherwise you will have just one single stem.

If the plant is wilted all over I would be very brave and prune it right back and I am sure you will soon have new leaves emerging.  I did that recently to a lemon tree plant I bought in Portugal at Easter and after a week or two of nothing happening, the plant is now covered in tiny bright green leaves - I was so excited to see that - you would think I had won an Oscar!!!

Good luck and if all fails, then treat yourself to another avocado, plant the new stone and I am sure you will have better luck.

Diana