by Molly McGuire

Created on: May 19, 2010

Avocados: The Foolproof Gardening Project

Watching a plant grow from a seed is always fun, but starting avocados is especially rewarding because the pear-shaped fruit's giant, golf-ball size seed makes the process completely visible. It's the perfect project for youngsters of any age who like to grow things, and it's practically foolproof. The only requirements to start this fruit tree are an avocado seed (often called a pit), a jar filled with water, and three or four toothpicks. Little gardeners will watch as the seed splits, sprouts roots, and finally, see the stem emerge from the top. In a few weeks you'll have a mini-tree, complete with leaves, and it all happens fast. What could be more exciting?

Here's how. First, eat the tasty avocado and save its seed. Then, determine its top and bottom so it will sprout properly. Notice which side is flat with a slight indentation. That's the seed's base, and where the roots will grow. The top is rounded, or somewhat pointed, and that's where the stem will pop out. The bottom of the seed must be in contact with water, but do not submerge it completely. That's where the toothpicks are useful.

Poke about four toothpicks, one on each side, about halfway between the seed's top and bottom. The seed is quite hard, so it's best to find strong, pointed toothpicks and insert them about half an inch deep so they stick out the sides. Then, find a jar or container and suspend the seed at the container's top so the bottom third of the seed (the base) rests in the water. The toothpicks prevent it from slipping into the water. A glass or clear plastic container is best so the roots are visible as they grow. The only care your avocado requires at this stage is water at its base, so check the container every few days to make sure water covers the bottom third of the seed. When you notice the roots fill the container and the stem is six to ten inches tall with three to four leaves, you can place your avocado in a pot in a sunny window. Just be careful to leave the very tip of the seed above the dirt.

These tasty tropical fruits with the golf-ball sized seed in the center are a staple in many warm countries. If you are lucky enough to live in a part of the world where avocadoes grow easily, you can plant it outside in your yard, where it will grow into a lovely, large tree that will provide you with a luscious harvest for many years to come. However, even if you live in a city apartment, your avocado will live comfortably on a balcony

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