Planting your own avocado tree is a lot easier than you think. You don't need a lot of materials, space, or time. This project is great for people of all ages and can grow from your outdoor garden or inside your home. Here's how to get started:
Directions:
1. Take a ripe avocado and cut it into 2 halves. Remove the seed from the center, rinse off with fresh water, and make sure there is no fruit on it. Let the seed dry completely.
2. Push 3-4 toothpicks inside the seed from all sides towards the middle. Place in a full glass of water so the pointy end of the seed faces upward, while the round part is in the water by an inch.
3. Keep the glass in a semi warm climate controlled place (away from direct sunlight). Leave for 4-6 weeks and check regularly to see if additional water needs to be added. Note: The seed will sprout a stem and roots. Once you see the stem is 6 inches long, cut it down to 3 inches. The stem will continue to grow and you will start to notice some leaves.
4. Take out the seed from the glass and move it to a large pot 3 ft. wide and 3 ft. deep. Add some rich fertile soil and compost to the pot and plant the seed. Note: The root of the seed should be pushed inside the soil about 1-3 inches, while the top half of the seed should remain outside the pot.
5. Place the pot where it can get good sunlight, water, and air. The soil should remain moist, but not completely saturated. Note: It's helpful to use a pot with good drainage. Pinch the top leaves of the plant every time the stem length increases by 6 inches to help the growth of the plant.
*It's beneficial to start planting in the Spring. Also, if you don't want to plant your avocado tree in the garden, make sure to take your plant outside on a daily basis for sunlight and fresh air. It will take about 7=15 years for the tree to yield fruit, so be patient!
