Question
I have started three Avocado plants from seeds this summer.  Could you share some information on what are the best growing conditions for Avocados.  I live in New England so these will be indoors.
Thank you.

Answer
Bill,

Avocados are tropical fruit trees. They grow outdoors in the ground in southern California and in Florida in very sandy soil. To be successful indoors you have to duplicate their natural environment.

Temperatures need to be between 55 and 75 degrees farenheit. It is beneficial for the temperature to drop about 10 degrees at night.

Soil should be a 50% mixture of regular potting soil and sand so it is a fast draining soil mix and the trees should never sit in a drain tray full of water for more than a few hours. They do not like swamps. Be very careful not to over water.

Light is the major problem. In the tropical areas where they grow the sun is intense all day long, it is hard to duplicate that at home, especially in New Englland.  You need to put them in front of a south facing window with the drapes open all day and no mini blinds. In addition you need to put a 2 or 4 tube flourescent light fixture above them preferably on chains so it can be lowered to about a foot above the trees and raised as they grow. The fixtures should have 1 cool white tube and 1 warm white tube or 2 and 2. Or you can use grow light tubes but they are more expensive and no better than the cool white - warm white mix.

Below are some interesting websites..

http://www.tamstrees.com/Page3.html

http://www.avocadotrees.com/questions.htm

Good luck.  
Darlene