Gardening Tips: The Right Way to Plant Avocados

We all know how avocados are great for our health but many people surprisingly do not know the right way to plant the pits. Let's take a closer look at what this plant can do, how they can be used and the right way to plant one in your garden.

Let's start off with the health benefits. Avocados have an abundance of nutrients that we need more of in our diets. For instance avocados contain: Omega-3 fatty acids, Magnesium, Lutein, Folate, Potassium, Vitamins B, E and K, Glutathione, and Monounsaturated fats. But the good news of the avocados doesn't stop there... these little green delights also help the body absorb more goodness from other foods that we eat such as lycopene, lutein, and both alpha and beta-carotene. Not to mention that if you are looking for a food to help your heart health and function then this is it.

There are so many ways to eat avocados, the list of how people can prepare them is endless but I will tell you of a few ways to make avocados a yummy treat in a few of your meals.

My favorite is guacamole. Personally, I like a more creamy consistency of the avocados but more of a chunky texture when it comes to the tomatoes and onions. This can be a simple snack or add it to your taco and burrito night as a healthy topping. Avocados are also a great addition to sandwiches. Get yourself a roll, some tasty meat, your favorite veggies and either chop or spread the avocados right in there. If you like salsas that are more of a liquid then there are wonderful ways to puree avocados with your favorite hot chilies, onions and herbs. This can top just about anything or be added to stock and countless dishes so get creative!

Okay, the moment you've been waiting for.... The right way to plant avocados. First, rinse any remnants off of the pit. Then carefully place two tooth picks in either side of the pit approximately near the middle. This will serve as the balance to keep it half way submerged in the water and half way dry at the same time which is essential for proper growth. Now the process takes a lot of time so be patient. Make sure to keep enough water in the cup at all times, don't let it dry out. After a few weeks you'll notice the bottom starts to split and a root begins to form. It should remain half way in the water until the root is about one to two inches long. Now, it is ready to plant. Make sure that the soil you get is loose as this will help the roots moves comfortably through the dirt which in turn makes a stronger and healthier plant.