In recent years, the push for sustainability has transformed how we approach gardening. With an increasing awareness of food waste and the environmental impact of traditional farming, many gardeners are looking for innovative ways to cultivate their own food at home. One of the simplest and most rewarding methods to do this is by regrowing vegetables and herbs from kitchen scraps. Not only does this technique promote sustainable gardening, but it also saves you money and gives you the satisfaction of nurturing plants from items that would otherwise be discarded.
This article will explore 19 vegetables and herbs you can easily regrow from scraps, along with step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and the benefits of this eco-friendly practice.
1. Green Onions
How to Regrow: Green onions, or scallions, are one of the easiest plants to regrow. Simply cut off the green tops, leaving about an inch of the white root. Place the roots in a glass of water, ensuring that the green tops remain above water. Change the water every few days.
Benefits: Green onions grow quickly and can be harvested multiple times. They add a fresh flavor to salads, soups, and many dishes.
2. Lettuce
How to Regrow: Cut the base of a romaine or other leafy lettuce, leaving about an inch of the core. Place it in a shallow bowl of water, with the cut side down. Change the water daily, and after a week, you should see new leaves sprouting.
Benefits: Lettuce is a cool-season crop, making it perfect for early spring or fall planting. You can enjoy fresh salad greens right from your kitchen scraps.
3. Celery
How to Regrow: Similar to lettuce, take the base of a celery stalk and place it in a bowl of water, cut side down. After a few days, roots will begin to develop. Once the roots are a few inches long, transplant the celery into soil.
Benefits: Regrowing celery allows you to enjoy its crisp texture in salads, soups, and stir-fries. It’s a great way to have fresh celery on hand year-round.
4. Basil
How to Regrow: Take a stem cutting from a basil plant, ideally one that has several leaves. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in a glass of water. Change the water every few days until roots develop, then plant in soil.
Benefits: Basil is a versatile herb that enhances the flavor of many dishes, especially in Italian cuisine. Regrowing basil provides a continuous supply of fresh leaves.
5. Mint
How to Regrow: Cut a few stem cuttings from a mint plant, making sure each cutting has several leaves. Place the cuttings in a glass of water and watch for roots to form. Once rooted, transfer to soil.
Benefits: Mint is a fragrant herb that can be used in beverages, desserts, and savory dishes. It’s also easy to grow indoors.
6. Cilantro
How to Regrow: Save the stems with roots from cilantro and plant them directly into the soil. Alternatively, place the stems in water until new growth appears.
Benefits: Cilantro is a staple herb in many cuisines, and regrowing it from scraps ensures you have fresh leaves on hand for salsa, curries, and more.
7. Garlic
How to Regrow: Take individual garlic cloves and plant them in soil, pointed end up. Water them well, and within a few weeks, you’ll see green shoots emerge.
Benefits: Garlic is not only a flavorful ingredient but also offers numerous health benefits. Growing garlic at home ensures a fresh supply for your cooking.
8. Ginger
How to Regrow: Take a piece of fresh ginger with visible eyes (small buds) and plant it in soil, burying it just below the surface. Water it regularly and keep it warm.
Benefits: Ginger is a versatile spice with many culinary and health uses. Regrowing ginger from scraps allows you to harvest as needed.
9. Potatoes
How to Regrow: Cut a potato into pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one eye (the small buds). Let the cut pieces dry for a day or two to prevent rot, then plant them in soil.
Benefits: Homegrown potatoes are often more flavorful than store-bought varieties. This method allows you to recycle leftover potatoes and grow new ones.
10. Sweet Potatoes
How to Regrow: Place a whole sweet potato in a jar of water, with half submerged. After a few weeks, sprouts will emerge from the top. Once the shoots are a few inches long, twist them off and plant them in soil.
Benefits: Sweet potatoes are nutritious and delicious, making them a great addition to your garden. Regrowing sweet potatoes can provide a bountiful harvest.
11. Carrots
How to Regrow: Save the tops of carrots and place them in a shallow dish of water, cut side down. Within a few days, you’ll see new leaves sprouting from the top.
Benefits: While you won’t regrow full carrots this way, you can enjoy the greens, which can be used in salads and pestos.
12. Radishes
How to Regrow: Place radish tops in a bowl of water, similar to carrots. After a few days, you’ll see new growth emerging.
Benefits: Radish greens are edible and nutritious, adding a peppery flavor to salads. They can also be cooked like other greens.
13. Fennel
How to Regrow: Cut the base of a fennel bulb and place it in a shallow dish of water. Within a week, new fronds will appear. Once roots form, transplant into soil.
Benefits: Fennel has a unique flavor and can be used in salads, soups, and roasted dishes. Regrowing it ensures a steady supply.
14. Bell Peppers
How to Regrow: Save seeds from bell peppers after using the fruit. Let the seeds dry for a few days, then plant them in soil.
Benefits: Growing bell peppers from seeds allows you to cultivate various varieties. They add color and flavor to your dishes.
15. Tomatoes
How to Regrow: Save seeds from ripe tomatoes. Dry them for a few days before planting them in soil.
Benefits: Homegrown tomatoes are often tastier than store-bought ones. Plus, you can choose your favorite varieties to grow.
16. Scallions
How to Regrow: Just like green onions, save the roots of scallions and place them in water. Change the water regularly for continuous growth.
Benefits: Scallions are versatile in the kitchen and can be used in many dishes. Regrowing them is easy and efficient.
17. Romaine Lettuce
How to Regrow: Cut the bottom of a romaine lettuce head and place it in water, cut side down. After a week, new leaves will sprout.
Benefits: This method is similar to standard lettuce regrowth but works particularly well for romaine, which is known for its crunchy texture.
18. Herbs (General)
How to Regrow: Many herbs can be regrown from cuttings, including parsley, dill, and thyme. Place stem cuttings in water until roots develop, then transfer to soil.
Benefits: Growing herbs from scraps not only reduces waste but also provides fresh flavors for your cooking.
19. Lemon Balm
How to Regrow: Cut stems of lemon balm and place them in a glass of water. Once roots develop, transplant them into soil.
Benefits: Lemon balm has a refreshing scent and is used in teas and culinary dishes. It’s easy to grow and adds beauty to your garden.
Conclusion
Regrowing vegetables and herbs from scraps is a sustainable gardening practice that anyone can try, regardless of their gardening experience. It reduces waste, saves money, and provides the joy of nurturing plants. Not only can you enjoy fresh produce and herbs year-round, but you can also involve children in this rewarding activity, teaching them about sustainability and the importance of food sources.
The next time you prepare a meal, consider saving your kitchen scraps instead of tossing them in the trash. With a little patience and care, you can create a thriving garden right from your kitchen. Happy gardening! 🌱