Photo credit: iStock/VICHAILAO

The next time you eat an avocado, save the pit and turn it into a plant with this easy and fun avocado tree gardening project.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Avocado pit
• 3-4 toothpicks
• Jar or plastic cup
• 10-inch planter with holes in the bottom for drainage
• Potting soil

See more: DIY: How to Regrow Herbs From Cuttings

Advertisement

 Instructions

1. When you finish your avocado, wash and dry the pit.
2. With the broad end of the pit facing down and the narrower end facing up, insert three to four toothpicks around the middle of the pit.
3. Fill a jar or plastic cup with water almost to the top. Place the avocado pit on the top of the jar with the toothpicks resting on the rim and the broad end of the pit facing down. The bottom third of the pit should be submerged in the water.
4. Place the jar or cup in a warm, sunny spot, but out of direct sunlight. Change the water regularly and make sure the jar always has enough water so the bottom third of the avocado pit is submerged.
5. In about two to six weeks, the pit should begin to sprout roots and a stem. If not, start over with another pit.
6. When the sprout gets about 6 inches tall, but it back by half. This will encourage more root growth. Once it grows out again, it’s time to plant your avocado tree in a pot.
7. Fill a 10-inch planter with potting soil. Remove the avocado pit from the jar or cup and plant it in the soil, leaving about half the pit exposed above the soil. Place your plant in a warm, sunny spot. Water lightly but often and watch your avocado tree grow!

See more: How to Choose the Perfect Avocado

Avocado Tree Care

• You can place your Avocado tree outside as long as temperatures stay above 45 degrees.
• Water enough so the soil stays moist but not soaked. Make sure the pot has good drainage.
• Yellow leaves are a sign of overwatering. Cut back on watering a bit to prevent root rot.
• Prune your plant occasionally (every time it grows about 6 inches) to encourage fullness.
• It can take anywhere from five to 13 years before your tree will begin producing fruit – and indoor trees rarely do – but they make excellent indoor plants to bring a little more green inside your home.