Next time mom comes home with the groceries, you might want to check them out. There are many things you can grow from seeds or cuttings from fruit or vegetables that are purchased at the grocery store.

 

Starting your own pineapple or avocado plants are simple and really fun to do.

 

How to Grow a Pineapple Plant

 

Buy a pineapple at the grocery store that is ripe and healthy looking. Make sure that it has a bright green crown on the top. Make sure that it does not have any brown leaves.

 

After you eat the pineapple, save the top part. You can grab the leaves and twist them off of the pineapple, or you can cut the crown off. Remove as much fruit as possible from the plant. If you do not remove the fruit, the plant will probably rot. Remove some of the lower leaves also.

 

Let the crown dry out for a couple of days before you go to the next step. Next, place 4 toothpicks into the core of the pineapple top and place it into a small container of water. A small jar is ideal. Keep the water clean by changing the water every other day.

 

In a few weeks, you'll notice the roots beginning to grow. Once there are lots of roots, you can plant the pineapple top into regular potting soil in a large pot.

 

Water the plant lighly once or twice a week. Keep the soil moist, but not wet and heavy. If you over water the plant, it could cause the roots to rot, which could kill your plant.

 

Make sure the plant is kept far away from air conditioners or drafty places. This is a tropical plant that thrives on heat, warmth and light. A sunny window sill is an ideal location.

 

Pineapples grow slow. If you're lucky, 3 or 4 years later, your plant might begin to produce pineapples. Even if it doesn't, it is still a nice plant.

 

How to Grow an Avocado Tree from the Pit

 

Slice open the avocado and remove the large pit. Wash the pit and make sure you wash all of the avocado off of it. Wipe the pit clean with a paper towel.

 

Place 3 or 4 toothpicks into the sides of the avocado pit and place the pit on top of a baby food jar or small glass container. Fill it with water, making sure that the tip of the avocado pit touches the water.

 

Change the water every few days and wipe the container clean once a week. Place the glass container with the pit on a bright and sunny window sill.

 

In 4 to 6 weeks, you will notice the avocado beginning to crack down the middle. A root will slowly grow into the water and shortly after, a stem will begin reaching up. Over time, leaves will begin to emerge also.

 

Plant the avocado tree in soil as soon as you notice the leaves. Water the plant about once per week and take care to ensure that the soil does not dry out completely between waterings.

 

You'll have to be patient. In 3 to 5 years after planting the avocado pit, the tree may begin to produce avocados.