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Avocados are a fruit native to the Americas, and their use by the Aztecs dates back over 1,000 years if not much longer. When the Spaniards arrived in Peru in the 16th century, they had never seen anything like it. They gave it its modern name, and today the fruit is grown widely in California and elsewhere. Our suggestion here is that once you’ve made delicious guacamole with your avocados, try planting the pits!

• avocado pits
• toothpicks
• clear glass
• light sandy soil
• large clay pot

1. Gently remove the pits from a ripe avocado.
2. Wash the pits in lukewarm water
3. Push 3 toothpicks evenly around the pit approximately 1/3 of the way down from the widest end.
4. Suspend the pit on the rim of a glass filled with water (the toothpicks will hold it up). 2/3 of the pit should be in water. (You want the smaller portion in the water). Leave in a warm, partially sunny window and keep the water level constant by adding water as needed. DON’T change the water and don’t let the pit dry out.
5. In a few weeks to a month, the pit will crack, roots will appear and a stem will start developing. There may be more than one stem and these should always be left alone.
6. When the stem is at least 3 inches long and the roots are at least 2 or 3 inches long, you are ready to plant.
7. Remove or break toothpicks off before planting. The upper portion of the seed must be exposed to allow new stems to grow so don’t bury it all the way under the soil. The avocado should be potted in a large clay pot in one part sand and three parts good potting soil.
8. Keep the soil wet for the first week and then water once a week after that.
9. Your plant will soon start growing leaves. To make your plant bushier, make sure to cut back some of the leaves every now and again.
10. Enjoy your new house plant and remember that avocado plants need good light, but not too much direct sunlight.