Question
I have an avocado sapling that I've grown from a seed that's at least 18 months old.  It's was about two feet in height and was very healthy and leafy.  However, a couple months back, there was a bad heatwave, and all the leaves died off.  Then, the top started to wither and turned brown/black, and it is starting to creep further down the plant. What should I do to try to save the plant?

Answer
Hi Kevin,
Thanx for your question.  In the past, I have severely injured my avocado saplings because of our hot, dry summers here (I forgot to water.) but they would recover.  Yes, I've had the growing tip die and turn black and shrivel.  Ok, here's what I did and it works to a point.  I just cut the dead part of the growing tip off.  Most of the time, small leaves will start to appear.  However, if you live in an area that is starting to get cold, this is a bad time of year to do it.  These plants have a tendency to go into a semi-dormancy when the sunlight diminishes and day-lengths are shorter.  You may not be able to save this plant but I would go ahead and trim off the dead growth and feed the plant with a diluted fish emulsion or 12-12-12 (50% strength) fertilizer.  Keep it well watered but don't let it get soggy.  Keep it in full sun even if indoors.  Sometimes they will come out of it, sometimes they won't.  I hope this helps.
Tom