Households urged to save avocado stones and bury them in soil

have surged in popularity over the past decade as one of the ’s most beloved foods. In fact, it’s even been dubbed the ‘Millennial favourite’ due to its popularity on .

The one problem? Avocados can be quite expensive due to their high cost of import. The rough-edged green fruit is native to Central America and grows best in a tropical climate. This means it’s definitely not suited to Britain’s cool, wet weather. Luckily, there is a way you can grow the fruit at home. Plus, many people may not realise, but avocados make great house plants. With their glossy green leaves and delicate stems, these plants lend a touch of class to any room.

So, the next time you pick up an avocado from the shop, don’t throw out the seed. Experts advise that you can actually use it to grow your very own avocado plant.

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Though, be warned, it will take some looking after. Gardener’s World writes: “If you like a challenge and have plenty of patience, you can grow an avocado from seed using supermarket-bought avocado – simply pot the stone in a pot of moist compost and wait for the shoot to appear.”

Although, they warn that you need to be careful what kind of avocado you’re using. For example, the Haas avocado is unlikely to produce a new plant as easily.

If you want to coax avocado seeds into germination, they need to be in the right climate. Avocado stones need heat, moisture and a humid atmosphere.

suggest piercing the stone with four toothpicks. Then you should suspend it above a cup of water, making sure the base of the stone touches the water. If you keep it in a warm place, after about six weeks you should see roots appearing. They then recommend potting your germinated seed into a peat-free compost mix.

It is important that the soil does not have much peat in it. This is because avocados grow best in sandy, mineral-based soils.

As an alternative, you can also leave the seed on a sunny windowsill so that it receives sufficient warmth and light. You can then pot it once it has started to split. Another method is to pot the stone before it germinates and give it plenty of water. You can then leave it to germinate in a warm, dark place.

Gardener’s World advise: “Check it regularly and make sure it doesn't dry out. When shoots have appeared on your plant, place it in a sunny spot and keep it well watered.”

Once your avocado seedling has begun to grow substantially, you should then pot it on into a large pot where it will have room to grow. Note that the fruit can’t withstand very cold temperatures, so they’re best grown as houseplants or in a greenhouse.

In order to maintain your avocado, keep it watered frequently. You should feed it every two weeks with a liquid plant food. Although, it’s important to note that avocado trees can take up to ten years to bear fruit, even in optimal conditions.