If you missed the first lesson on scrap gardening click here.
What is scrap gardening?
Growing plants from kitchen scraps or food you would normally throw out.
Before we get started, here are a list of materials you’ll need:
- Water
- Small bowls, cups, or jars
- Toothpicks
- Produce such as garlic, potatoes, avocado, or pineapple
Sprouting Potatoes
- Insert 3-4 toothpicks around the middle of a potato.
- Fill a jar with water.
- Suspend potato in the water with toothpicks resting along top of jar.
- Place in a sunny window and watch grow!
Tips:
- Keep water level consistent and change when cloudy.
- Potatoes with sprouts work great! Point sprouts into the water.
Sprouting Garlic
- Select garlic cloves that have most or all of their wrapper on.
- Add a bit of water to a small cup.
- Place garlic cloves into cup so just their bases are in the water. Do not submerge or clove will rot.
- Place cup by a sunny window.
Tips:
- Change the water when cloudy.
- When sprouts are 3-7 inches tall, snip top leaves and add to dishes for a mild garlic flavor.
Sprouting Avocado
- Wash and dry avocado pit.
- Insert 3 toothpicks into pit so that about 1 inch of pit will be in water.
- Place pit into a cup of water and place by a warm, sunny spot, but out of direct sunlight.
Tips:
- Replenish water as needed.
- Pit should start to sprout roots and a stem in 2-6 weeks.
Sprouting Pineapple
- Twist (or slice) off the leafy crown from a ripe pineapple, making sure to remove any fleshy fruit.
- Peel off some of the lowest leaves to expose about 1” of stem and root buds.
- Place pineapple crown in a jar of water, with just the bottom root buds submerged.
- Place jar in a sunny window.
Tips:
- Change water every few days to prevent mold.
- Also works is placed directly into soil.
