Avocados are millennials’ favourite fruit, and adored by the rest of us as accompaniments to Breakfasts and Many cuisines, such as Mexican. However, did you know the environmental cost of producing and transporting these valued fruits across the globe?
However, did you know the environmental cost of producing and transporting these valued fruits across the globe?
Carbon Footprint Ltd estimates that two small avocados in a packet has a CO2 footprint of 846.36 grams, which is almost twice the amount of a kilo of bananas! Avocados often travel thousands of miles from tropical climates to reach the UK Super-markets.
It is not only a huge environmental cost that avocados carry, but they also come with a high and rising shelf price. In a world of rising temperatures and prices, why not do nature and your pocket a favour and try your hand at growing these delicious tropical fruits?
Follow along below to have a go at growing your own Avocado tree.
- The Seed
Like most plants, Avocados are started using a seed. The seed could be sourced from an Avocado that you have already bought; it doesn’t have to be anything fancy or expensive.
- Preparation
Clean the seed, removing excess flesh.
Then, use 3 cocktail sticks to prop up the seed above a glass of water, ensuring the bottom of the seed is partly submerged. - Propagate
Leave to propagate for around 40 days in a warm, sunny spot. Top up the water so the seed remains submerged.
- Seedling
After around 40 days, a long singular root should appear, followed by the beginning of a shoot.
- Potting Up
By this stage, the seedling is mature enough to be placed into compost.
Fill up a medium-sized pot with good quality Compost, place the seedling in the compost.
Keep it well watered.
Continue to keep watering the seedling and watch it mature!
Transplant to larger pots as required.
Be sure to “avo-go”, it’s a must-try for Avocado lovers and avid gardeners. Share your pictures and stories below.
Even with no growing experience, it’s a simple and fun project.