Here is a link to the step-by-step how-to do this and it should answer all your questions. if not let us know

Dave

PS: be sure to note the part about pinching back to force root development.

Here is a link that might be useful: How to grow an avacado from seed FAQ

what does it mean by pinch out the top set of leaves? Should I just remove them as close to stalk as i can?

Ok, first if it is a foot tall and only has 6-8 leaves then it probably isn't getting enough sun exposure and light. When that is the case the plant is more stem than leaves.

"Pinching" means you snip off the central stem and a set of leaves. Most do it with their fingernails or a sharp set of scissors. It is done to make the plant bush out more and develop side branches and is a common need for many different plants.

Since your plant is already past the ideal pinch point I would count down from the top and cut the stem just below the 2nd set of leaves from the top. So that the plant is no more that 6-8" tall. Otherwise the central stem won't be able to support the new growth that will develop.

The link below is to lots of pictures showing how to do it.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: how to pinch plants pics

thanks for the info, and you're probably right about it not getting enough sun, we have had a miserable winter here in the uk, although it sits on the window sill which is facing south so that should change when the weather turns.

so where should i cut it back to? I've included a picture. sorry for all the questions haha,

Oh wow! Way past the pinching stage. I'd cut the stem just below the joint of that top leaf on the right. In between the 2 leaves on the top right of the picture.

Dave

so im literally only taking off the top 3 leaves? and by doing that, i will encourage new root growth?

Its taken so long for it to grow, i just dont want to damage it.