What if we planted and nurtured all those pits, seeds and roots from the herbs, fruits and vegetables we eat everyday and grow them into a healthy garden? Back in 1977, M. Selsam and D. Peterson published Don’t Throw It, Grow It. All you need is to pay attention to the plants’ basic needs: right light, right watering and potting up. Have a fun morning exploring your local market, planning both your tasty breakfast and garden!
Peanuts: Remove the shells and plant four fresh, unroasted peanuts in a 6-inch pot with moist potting soil. Cover them with an inch of soil. When the plants grow to a height of about four inches, remove all but the sturdiest one. Place the pot under bright sun.
Gingerroot: Fill 3/4 of a shallow wide pot with moist potting soil and lay the gingerroot on top. Put the pot somewhere bright but not sunny and keep the soil moist. The ginger plant looks like a bamboo. It grows tall quickly.
Turnip: Place the top half, cut side down on a bowl with soil. Add more soil to hold the turnip in place. Place the bowl in bright sun light and keep the soil moist. The curly green leaves will appear first, followed by its flowers.
Peas: Place three fresh peas on the surface of a 4-inch pot 2/3 full with moist potting soil. Cover the peas with an inch of soil. Place it in a sunny window and water when the soil dries out. Apply liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Vine types climb and may need the support of a trellis!