First, there’s that Cucumber we ate last week. I saved some of the seeds, dried them between paper towels, and now have 8 seedlings coming up in my little seed-starting tray.
Last Spring I planted some of the Beans from a bag of “Thirteen Bean Soup”.
Consider planting some of those Pinto Beans you bought - Lima’s, Navy Beans or Black Eyed Peas.
Raw Peanuts grow well in the South and you’ll enjoy watching them sprout.
Just for fun I planted some Popcorn kernels so my Grand kids could see how popcorn grows. (Don’t use microwave corn!)
I have planted Pomegranate, Lime and Orange seeds with surprising success.
Tomatoes, Bell, Jalapeno and Banana Peppers all grow great from seed.
Ginger: Probably one of my favorites is Ginger. Their rootstalks are usually available at the store. Buy one for about $2.00. Cut it in sections right beneath the node, submerge the end in a growing medium (we sell that) and in warm weather you will see the shoots coming up in about two weeks. I had some growing in a hanging basket and was surprised to see them return year after year (they will freeze back). Not only is the foliage pretty, but if you want fresh Ginger, just dig it up!
Papaya: Plant the small black seeds from the center of the Papaya fruit and the tree will produce fruit. Scoop out the mass of seeds, clean thoroughly and allow to dry for a few weeks. (March is best time to plant.) Plant a single seed in a one gallon pot and place in part sun. Water when leaves droop. This is a tropical so it must be protected from freeze. In spring, when it is a year old (about 6'), plant in ground - by July you should have papayas!
Pineapple: Cut the leafy crown off a firm, ripe Pineapple. Pull off the leaves nearest the crown and remove any flesh. Allow to dry for a few days. Set crown about an inch deep in a 5-gallon pot of sandy soil. Keep soil moist for a few days then water a few times a week. Do not over-water! These plants like sun and will grow to about 4 feet. You should have a pineapple in about 18 months.
Garlic: From a firm garlic bulb, choose a few of the largest cloves. Plant in late fall with tips pointing up about 2" deep in soil that is loose and rich in organic material. Allow 4" between cloves. Keep soil moist, not saturated. Cloves will sprout grassy foliage in about 2 weeks. Each clove will develop into a garlic bulb. Harvest when leaves turn yellow, in 6 to 9 months.
Next time you are at the store, look around at the array of things you can take seed from and plant. Experiment! I am going for the Kiwi fruit next time.
I think this is probably the best form of “recycling” I have ever come across!