The seeds of tropical plants are now easier to obtain for free because so many supermarkets are offering a wider selection of tropical fruits, house plants and vegetables. Besides the big supermarkets, you can find many exotic fruits and vegetables at the smaller ethnic markets. Most cities will have such stores listed in the Yellow Pages under GROCERS. There are more of these stores throughout the United States than ever before. These grocers specialize in products to suit the tastes of the various Asian nationalities, Latin Americans, Mediterranean, and African nationalities.

There are so many different choices in food items that it can be quite a learning experience just exploring such places. All you need to do to get free seeds is buy the fruit. You can enjoy this delicious, healthy fruit and the seeds are yours for free. They must be thoroughly dried before planting. Some of the larger harder seeds may need to be soaked after they have been dried and scared or partially cracked or cut open to help in germination. Most of them will germinate in water or fresh, moist potting soil or soil from the nursery especially prepared for germinating seeds.

Among some of the fruits that contain seeds that are easy to obtain are Avocado, Papaya, Mango, Pomegranate, Guava, Kiwi, Orange, Tangerine, Lemon, Lime. and many more. These plants make very attractive house plants and can grow outdoors during the summer. Seeds other than tropical varieties can also be obtained for free in this way.

People have been growing citrus fruits from seed as house plants for years, but now so many more tropical and subtropical varieties are available to grow indoors as well.

Many varieties of Apple, Peach, Pear, Plum and Melon can be grown from the seeds of those fruits. Many other plants such as Tomatoes, Bell or Sweet Peppers, Banana Peppers and Chile Peppers can be started from the seeds obtained for free in the same way. Beware of Hybrids because the seeds will either not germinate or if they do germinate will produce plants that will revert back to one of the original grandparent stock. This may not be important if you are only growing to have a tropical house plant, but if you are growing for the fruit, you are likely to be disappointed.

Some of the plants that can be grown may be started from the bulbs and roots rather than from seed. Ginger, varieties of onion, chives and garlic are easy to start from grocery stock.

It is possible to cut the little bumps from ginger. These are similar to the "eyes" of potatoes. Cut about 1/4 to 1/2 inch piece of the ginger root where these "eyes" occur and start them in moist potting soil keeping the temperature warm in a sunny window. It will grow fine outdoors in the summer but must be brought indoors for the winter in cold climate zones. Any of the varieties of bulbs can simply be put into the ground in the spring after danger of frost has passed.

Pineapple can be started by cutting off the top of the plant and placing it in potting soil after danger of frost has passed.

When collecting seeds from supermarket stock, be sure to dry and label them in order to keep track of what you have. When it comes time to get your seeds to germinate, you may need to learn more about the species you will be growing. Different varieties of seeds will require different temperatures. Most tropical seeds will need high temperatures for germination and will do better getting started during the summer months outdoors. Learn more about the species you are growing from books at you local nursery, bookstore, Free Public Library, or from The GreenDealer*.

The variety of fruits and vegetables that you prefer can be grown in your own garden for FREE! Or you may grow exotic indoor tropical house plants that can thrive outdoors in the summer months for FREE!