Germinate the Seed
Growing an avocado tree from seed without toothpicks is easy, as long as you are patient and stay committed. Start by selecting an avocado with a large pit so it will be easier to handle; the pit should also have some small root shoots, which will leave more room for your avocado tree to grow. Then, remove the pit carefully, wash off the remaining fruit, and dry it lightly with a paper towel. Once the pit is dry, the next step is to germinate the seed, which requires some planting; this is where toothpicks come in handy. Without them, you will need to pierce the avocado pit gently with a cotton swab. Make sure the seed is balanced on the swab while piercing it several times on the sides, but be careful not to pierce it too deeply.
Soak the Seed
Once the seed has been pierced, it needs to be soaked in a container of filtered water for at least two days to ensure that the seed has access to enough water for germination. As the seed begins to soak, it will become buoyant and will start to sink as it absorbs more moisture. Depending on the type of avocado, some pits might need to be left in the water for up to three days before germination. If the seed develops a layer of white fuzz or starts to crack open, it means that the avocado pit is ready to be planted.
Plant the Seed
When the seed is ready to be planted, fill a medium-sized container with a mixture of organic top soil and organic compost. If desired, add a few tablespoons of slow-release organic fertilizer to provide more nutrients. Then, place the avocado pit into the soil, making sure that it is securely at the bottom. After planting, lightly press the soil around the seed, and then water it until the soil is moist.
Place the Container in Proper Conditions
After planting the seed, it is important to provide it with the proper environmental conditions. Place the container in an area that receives indirect, but still bright, light; room temperature is ideal. If possible, find a spot with no direct sun and cover the container with a light cloth before watering. The cloth will help ensure that heat and light do not escape the container. This will also help to maintain the proper temperature, moisture, and soil conditions for the seed to germinate.
Monitor the Progress of Germination
As the seed begins to germinate, monitor the progress by checking on the seed every day; if you notice any signs of mold, fungi, or rot, correct the situation immediately. After the seed has started to germinate, check the soil every few days to make sure it is not drying out. As the seed continues to grow, the root system will become more established and will eventually take over the soil.
Transition the Container to a Pot
Once the seed has started to germinate and the root system has been established, it is time to transition the container to a pot. Choose a pot with enough space to accommodate the growing avocado tree; this should be a minimum of five to seven inches in diameter. As the tree grows, so should the pot; its size should be two or three times the size of the tree. Also, the pot should be placed in an area with at least six hours of direct sunlight.
Provide Adequate Watering and Nutrition
Watering is an essential part of growing an avocado tree without toothpicks. It is important to water the tree regularly as the root system becomes more developed; the soil should be kept moist, but not saturated. To help ensure the tree gets adequate nutrition, water the tree with a mixture of water and liquid seaweed fertilizer.
Fertilize and Prune the Tree
To help keep the tree healthy, use a balanced liquid fertilizer specifically designed for avocado plants a few times a year; this will boost the growth and productivity of the tree. Additionally, pruning the tree regularly will help shape the tree and encourage its growth. Pruning should be done in the spring, and again in the late fall to promote ideal flowering and fruiting environments.
Treat Pests and Diseases
Just like with any other plant, avocado trees can be susceptible to pests and disease. In order to prevent an infestation or infection, it is important to treat the tree with a natural pesticide every few weeks. Additionally, an organic fungicide should be applied once every six weeks to help prevent any fungal growth on the tree.
Mulch and Weed the Soil
In order to keep the tree healthy and prevent weeds from taking over the soil, a layer of mulch should be placed around the tree. This will help retain water and nourish the root zone while also keeping the weeds out. Make sure to remove any weeds that might appear as they can take away from the soil’s nutrients.
Protect the Tree from Extremes
Finally, it is important to protect the tree from extreme temperatures. In the hottest days of the summer, make sure to keep the tree in the shade. In the winter, cover the tree with burlap to protect it from the cold. Additionally, covering the tree in plastic during major storms can help protect it from rain and wind. When caring for an avocado tree without toothpicks, it is important to be patient and stay committed. With proper care and attention, you can successfully grow an avocado tree that produces delicious fruit.
