1. Wash an avocado seed. Suspend it (broad end down) over a water-filled glass using three toothpicks. The water should cover about a ½ inch of the seed.
2. Place the glass in a warm location, out of direct sunlight. A mature seed will crack as roots and stem sprout in about two to six weeks.
3. When a stem grows to 6 or 7 inches, cut it back to about 3 inches. Note: This will force the plant to branch out and take care of the problem you mention.
4. When the roots are thick and the stem has leafed out again, plant it in rich humus soil, leaving the seed half exposed. Use a terra cotta pot with a 10½-inch diameter.
5. Water your avocado house plant generously, but let it dry out somewhat between waterings.

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