Regrowing vegetables from kitchen scraps is not just a fun and rewarding gardening activity—it’s also an eco-friendly way to reduce waste and enjoy a continuous supply of fresh produce. If you’ve ever wondered if it truly works, the answer is yes! With the right methods, you can regrow many common vegetables using leftovers you would typically throw away.
In this article, we’ll explore how to successfully regrow these vegetables and share 20 specific options, along with easy tips to help you get started.
The Truth About Regrowing Vegetables from Scraps
Regrowing vegetables isn’t some magic trick; it’s a simple and reliable method for cultivating fresh produce. The key lies in understanding which vegetables can be regrown, how to do it effectively, and maintaining the right growing conditions.
Benefits of Regrowing Vegetables
- Cost-Effective: Turning kitchen scraps into new vegetables saves money by providing a free source of fresh produce.
- Reduces Waste: Instead of tossing scraps into compost or trash, you can transform them into thriving plants, cutting down on food waste significantly.
- Eco-Friendly: Growing your own vegetables at home reduces your carbon footprint and dependence on store-bought produce.
- Satisfying and Fun: Watching new plants sprout from scraps is an enjoyable and educational experience for the entire family.
While this practice won’t fully replace trips to the grocery store, it’s a great way to supplement your diet and engage in sustainable gardening.
20 Vegetables You Can Regrow from Kitchen Scraps
Let’s delve into the 20 vegetables you can easily regrow at home, along with step-by-step instructions:
1. Green Onions (Scallions)
How to Regrow:
- Save the bulb with its roots after using the green tops.
- Place the root ends in a glass of water, submerging the roots.
- Keep it in a sunny spot and change the water every few days. In about a week, new green tops will sprout.
2. Lettuce
How to Regrow:
- Save the bottom of a lettuce head.
- Place it cut-side up in a shallow dish of water.
- Set it in a sunny location and change the water every couple of days. Fresh leaves will appear after a week.
3. Celery
How to Regrow:
- Cut off the base of a celery bunch.
- Place it in a dish of water with the cut side facing up.
- New shoots will emerge from the center after a few days. Transplant to soil after a week.
4. Carrot Tops
How to Regrow:
- Cut off carrot tops and place them in a shallow dish of water.
- Green tops will soon begin to grow for harvesting.
5. Garlic
How to Regrow:
- Plant individual cloves in soil, pointed side up, and cover lightly.
- Water regularly. In a few weeks, green shoots will develop, which can be used like scallions.
6. Ginger
How to Regrow:
- Plant a piece of ginger root (with growth buds facing up) in moist soil.
- Place it in a warm area with indirect light. Water sparingly. New shoots will soon appear.
7. Potatoes
How to Regrow:
- Cut a sprouted potato into chunks, ensuring each piece has at least one eye.
- Let the pieces dry for a day, then plant them in soil with eyes facing up.
8. Sweet Potatoes
How to Regrow:
- Place a half-sweet potato in water, cut side down.
- Once slips or shoots grow, remove them and plant them in soil.
9. Basil
How to Regrow:
- Place basil stems with a few leaves in a glass of water.
- Once roots form, transfer to soil for continuous harvest.
10. Cilantro
How to Regrow:
- Place cilantro stems in a glass of water.
- When roots develop, plant them into soil.
11. Leeks
How to Regrow:
- Place the white base of leeks in a glass of water, roots submerged.
- Set in a sunny spot; new green shoots will start to grow.
12. Romaine Lettuce
How to Regrow:
- Save the base of romaine lettuce and place it in water.
- In a week, fresh leaves will sprout. Transfer to soil after roots establish.
13. Onions
How to Regrow:
- Place the bottom of an onion in soil with roots facing downwards.
- Water regularly, and the onion will regrow.