Citrus and Seeds

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We all have that aunt, grandma, or green-thumbed friend who hands out generous amounts of grapefruit each year as their trees produce more and more delicious fruit. Next time you find yourself with a grapefruit, try this simple eco-friendly trick to start your seedlings and continue nourishing your plant for weeks to come.

These “citrus pots” aren’t just cute, they will also help your seedling remain healthy so that when it comes time to plant it in your garden you can even plant the grapefruit rind and it will compost and provide nutrients to the plant.

Materials
  • Grapefruit
  • Potting soil
  • Seeds
  • Water
  • Knife
  • Cup to catch drainage
How to

1. Gather all your materials and set up a space that can handle a little mess!

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2. Carefully cut the top of the grapefruit off (on the nubby end) to expose the fruit.

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3. Using a spoon, scrape the contents of the grapefruit out.

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4. Once you are left with the rind, cut a small hole at the bottom of the grapefruit to allow for the “citrus pot” to correctly drain.

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5. Fill the grapefruit halfway with potting soil, moistening the soil as you go. After adding the soil, place 3 seeds into the soil.

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6. Cover the seeds with soil until you fill the grapefruit. Moisten the soil.

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7. Place the grapefruit on a small cup to catch the drainage (if you want to keep it inside near sunlight). You can even label your rind so that you know which seedling is which! TA-DA!

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This clever idea was seen on http://www.listotic.com/20-insanely-clever-gardening-tips-and-ideas/10/ and recreated by us at JMG!

Happy Gardening from JMG!

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2 Comments. Leave new

  • Dianne Koehler
    February 7, 2019 8:41 am

    when the seeds germinate do you plant the whole thing like with eggs or just the plants?

    Reply
    • Hi Dianne,

      I apologize for the delay! You can plant the seedling inside the grapefruit rind, and the rind will decompose, leaving nutrients behind in the soil and allowing the seedling’s root system to expand.

      Reply

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