More than a good way to save money, growing food from leftovers is a great science experiment.
Avocado
Avocado is all the rage right now, but did you know you can grow your own tree? That’s right, and you’ll be swimming in guacamole before you know it. First, take your seed and give it a good wash. Fill a glass with water and suspend the seed over it so that about an inch is submerged. Keep this in a warm place that gets plenty of sunlight. Once roots begin to sprout (about six weeks), trim the stem down to three inches. When you see leaves and the roots are thick, it’s time to plant!
Plant your sprout in a pot with the seed halfway exposed. Water often so that the dirt remains damp. Keep in direct sunlight. In the summer, once your sapling is a good size, you can plant it outside, away from the house and sidewalk. If your tree produces fruit, it probably won’t happen until your tree is at least four years old.
Mushrooms
Not only are these versatile fungi delicious, they’re pretty easy to regrow. Simply plant the stem in a pot and keep in a warm, humid place with only a little sunlight. You can cover your pot with plastic wrap, spray the dirt with water, and poke a few holes in the wrap to keep it humid. Your mushrooms should grow in about one month.
Peaches
who doesn’t love a juicy peach? If you want to grow your own, start by drying out the pit, or seed. After about a week, your seed is ready to be planted in a spot that gets lots of natural light. Don’t count your harvest just yet! If your tree produces fruit, it might take several years.
Ginger
Besides tasting great, ginger is also good for a cold. Take a piece of root and soak overnight in warm water. Plant the root in a wide pot, so the roots have space to grow. Leave the pot in a warm place but not in direct sunlight. After a couple of weeks, you should start seeing shoots! After a few months pass, you can start collecting your root.
