Saturday Science Experiment: Grow a Plant from Food Scraps

I'll admit it. I have a plant problem. Whenever I see seeds or sprouts, I want to try to grow them myself. We were at the feed store the other day and they had rack upon rack of flower seeds packed for 2015. Now, I live in New England, and it is January 3rd. I most likely won't be able to grow flowers outdoors for at least 5 months. I don't know if it is the fact that we've had pretty weird weather this winter and the bits of icy snow in my yard are flanked by large patches of grass, making it look a whole lot like spring...or if it is just my plant compulsion, but I went ahead and bought some flower seeds. I guess I'll just have to be really patient!

Dreaming of spring! ©SBF 2015

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The good news is, you don't have to wait until it is hospitable for plants outdoors to grow them. Last time I counted my houseplants I had 27 of them (is there a 10 step program out there for me?) and I know I've added to the collection. Several are plants I've grown from sprouts or seeds from produce.

We've had several successful avocado pit plants, and I've planted garlic and potatoes that have sprouted from being in the pantry too long. I started my own sweet potato slips from an organic sweet potato last year. This past summer I saved seeds from my tomatoes, squash, sunflowers, marigolds, nasturtiums to try to plant again next year. We've even tried to grow a pineapple from it's top on several occasions, but with no success. It doesn't have me discouraged though, I'll keep trying to grow whatever I can get my hands on.

     

Can I grow a grapefruit plant? ©SBF 2015

I found a seed in my grapefruit yesterday and I am wondering if I can get it to sprout. It is citrus

season and I know that you can grow many citrus plants as house plants. I'm going to try an experiment, and maybe this weekend you can too! I am going to wet a piece of paper towel and fold it in half, then in half again. I will put my grapefruit seed in the inside corner of the damp paper and then place the whole thing in a baggie. I'll let it sit on the windowsill and check on it again in about a week. It might sprout, it might not. I'll let you know in next weekend's "Saturday Science Experiment" post.

There are plenty of ideas out on the internet of how to grow plants from produce seeds or scraps. I found this account of a grandfather who loves to garden and share the love of growing things with his granddaughter. They sprouted orange seeds. Read about it here at learn2grow.com.  How about this DIY site that has 25 foods you can re-grow from kitchen scraps?

If the idea of growing things from kitchen scraps sounds intriguing, I would highly recommend getting your hands on a copy of Don't Throw It, Grow It!: 68 windowsill plants from kitchen scraps by Deborah Peterson and Millicent Selsam. This book includes ideas for growing all sorts of houseplants from produce scraps like ginger root, squash and even kiwi. If there were a plant support group I think I might attend it with these ladies!

The potential of a seed. Amazing! ©SBF 2015

I am very excited to try my grapefruit experiment. What sort of seeds or plant scraps are you going to try to grow? I can't wait to hear about your indoor food scrap garden! If you try this out let me know how it goes by commenting below, or e-mailing me at: shareitscience@gmail.com

Post updated: 4/14/16