Have you ever tried growing a pineapple top or an avocado pit? You might be surprised to learn that many seeds, pits, roots, and tubers from the grocery store can also grow into thriving plants. Instead of tossing them in the compost, experiment with growing plants from common fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, and spices.
Not only is it a fun project, but you could discover exciting new foods from around the world. Start with organic produce if possible, as some conventionally grown items may be treated to prevent sprouting. A few essentials are all you need: plant material, a container, and soil. Match your setup to the plant’s natural habitat for the best results.
Growing Methods
Here are five tried-and-true methods for growing plants:
1. Planting in Soil
- Use commercial potting soil in a container large enough to hold the plant material.
- Leave one-third of the root or tuber above the soil line and water only when the soil feels dry.
- For garlic, simply push a clove into the soil, sprout side up. Shoots will emerge in about a week. Beets take longer but are worth the wait.
2. Rooting in Water
- Many plants, such as lemongrass and sweet potatoes, can root in water.
- Place bamboo skewers in the middle of a sweet potato and suspend it in a jar of water, pointed side down. Once roots fill the jar, pot it up or leave it in water.
- For water chestnuts, float them in a bowl and rinse if the water becomes cloudy.
- Note: Avocados are best grown in sphagnum moss, not water.
3. Starting with Simple Seeds
- Citrus seeds (from oranges, lemons, etc.) germinate quickly. Plant plump, freshly cleaned seeds about ½ inch deep in soil. Cover with plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect and keep in a warm spot.
4. Using a Sphagnum Moss Bag
- For larger seeds and tubers like avocados, this method works wonders. Place the plant material in a plastic bag with moistened sphagnum moss, then store it in a warm, dark place. Check regularly to maintain moisture and air circulation. Once roots are a few inches long, pot it up.
5. Pebble Trays for Bulbs and Tops
- Fill a shallow waterproof container two-thirds full of pebbles. Place carrot tops, radishes, turnips, onions, or garlic cloves on top, leaving one-third exposed. Maintain water at the base of the plant. This method is fun for kids—add a toy dinosaur for a whimsical touch!
Fun Plants to Try
- Sweet potato: Insert bamboo skewers around the middle and suspend it in water, pointed side down. Place in a sunny window.
- Carrot tops: Use a pebble tray to grow carrot tops. They last a couple of weeks, but you can start a new batch regularly.
- Pineapple: Remove the green top, peel off a few lower leaves, and let it dry for a couple of days before planting in soil. Alternatively, twist off the top, apply rooting hormone, and start in water or soil.
- Avocado: Place pits in a sphagnum moss bag. Once roots are several inches long, transfer to soil and provide bright light. Prune as desired—either allow the trunk to grow tall or encourage branching early.
- Citrus: Use freshly harvested seeds. Plant immediately, or soak them overnight for better germination.
- Dates: Use sun-dried dates with pits. Push the seed into soil or a Jiffy peat pellet. Slow-growing but rewarding, they thrive when kept warm and moist.
Tips for Success
- Many plants, especially tropical ones, need warmth to germinate. A seed-starting heat mat can help.
- Refresh water regularly for plants rooted in jars.
- Experiment! Try growing duplicates of fruits and vegetables, one to eat and one to plant.
By exploring these methods, you’ll uncover the joy of growing plants from kitchen scraps, all while creating your own little corner of the world at home. Happy gardening!
Inspiration and Additional Information
- The After Dinner Gardening Book by Richard W. Langer
- Don’t Throw It, Grow It! by Deborah Peterson and Millicent Selsam
- Plants From Trash site: http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/TrashGoesToSchool/Plants.html
- Bromeliad Society (growing a pineapple top): http://www.bsi.org/brom_info/growing/pineapple.html
- California Avocado Commission: http://www.avocado.org/grow-your-own-tree/ The Rare Pit and Plant Council: http://www.pitplants.com/
Most citrus initially grow with juvenile growth from seed. Such growth is quite thorny and vigorous, but does not bloom. Eventually, it becomes less thorny and blooms. However, many cultivars are not true to type, so their fruit can be more or less different from their parents. Avocados do the same, but without thorns. By the time they bloom and fruit, they can be quite tall. Those of us who have grown such trees can attest to the quality of their fruit, since, no matter how different from the parents it is, it is typically quit good.