Have you ever thought about growing your own vegetables right from kitchen scraps? It’s not only rewarding but also a fantastic way to reduce waste and save money. Many common vegetables can be regrown over and over again with minimal effort. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to add some greenery to your home, here’s a detailed look at seven easy vegetables you can buy once and regrow forever.
Green Onions
Green onions are one of the easiest vegetables to regrow. When you buy a bunch, simply keep the white root ends after using the green tops. Place the roots in a glass of water, making sure only the roots are submerged. Within just a few days, you’ll notice fresh green shoots sprouting. Change the water every couple of days to keep it fresh. You can harvest the new green stalks repeatedly, and when they get too long, cut them back and watch them regrow again. This method is perfect for windowsills or small kitchen gardens.
Romaine Lettuce
Instead of tossing out the base of your romaine lettuce, you can regrow it in water. Cut the bottom inch of the lettuce head and place it in a shallow bowl with just enough water to cover the base. Position it near a sunny window, and within a week, small new leaves will begin to sprout from the center. Remember to change the water regularly to prevent mold and bacteria buildup. Once the leaves grow large enough, you can transplant the lettuce base into soil to encourage even fuller growth.
Celery
Celery regrows similarly to romaine lettuce. Save the bottom part of the stalk and place it in a bowl of water with the cut side facing up. Set it in a sunny spot and refresh the water every day or two. New leaves will start to emerge from the center in about a week. For best results, once the celery base has sprouted well, plant it into soil. With proper care and watering, you’ll have fresh celery for weeks to come. This is a great way to keep a continuous supply of celery without buying new stalks every time.
Garlic
Garlic is versatile and surprisingly simple to regrow. Plant a single clove directly into potting soil, with the pointed end facing upward. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Over time, the clove will sprout green shoots, which you can use like garlic chives in your cooking. Eventually, the plant will mature into a full bulb underground if given enough space and care. Garlic regrowth is not only economical but also adds fresh flavor to your dishes throughout the year.
Leeks
Leeks share similarities with green onions in terms of regrowth. After using the white base of the leek, place it root-side down in a container with a small amount of water. Keep it in a bright area but out of direct sunlight. Roots and new green shoots will begin to grow in about a week. You can harvest the green tops for cooking and continue to regrow them multiple times. When the leek gets too tall or less flavorful, simply start again with a new piece.
Basil
Basil is a fragrant herb that’s easy to regrow from cuttings. Snip a healthy stem, removing the lower leaves, and place it in a glass of water. Within a week or two, roots will start developing. Once the roots are a few centimeters long, transplant the cutting into soil. Basil thrives in warm, sunny spots, so place it near a bright window or outside during warmer months. Regular pinching of the leaves encourages bushier growth, providing you with a steady supply of fresh basil for cooking.
Potatoes
Potatoes may seem tricky to regrow, but it’s quite simple. Start with a potato that has sprouted “eyes” or shoots. Cut the potato into pieces, making sure each piece has at least one eye. Plant these pieces in well-drained soil, with the eyes facing upward. Keep the soil moist and provide plenty of sunlight. Over time, the pieces will grow into new potato plants, which will eventually produce more potatoes underground. This method allows you to recycle leftover potatoes and enjoy fresh homegrown tubers.
Tips for Successful Regrowing
Make sure to use clean containers and fresh water when regrowing vegetables in water. Regularly changing the water helps prevent mold and keeps plants healthy. Once plants develop roots and shoots, consider transferring them to soil for better growth and nutrition.
Most of these vegetables prefer bright, indirect sunlight. If you don’t have a sunny window, you can use grow lights to give your plants the light they need.
Be patient—some plants take longer to regrow than others, but with consistent care, you’ll be rewarded with fresh veggies in no time.
Why Regrow Your Vegetables?
Regrowing vegetables is an eco-friendly way to reduce kitchen waste and save money on groceries. It’s also a fun project that brings a bit of nature indoors, even if you don’t have a big garden. Plus, fresh homegrown produce often tastes better and is free from pesticides.
In summary, whether you have a sunny windowsill, a small balcony, or just a bit of counter space, regrowing vegetables like green onions, romaine lettuce, celery, garlic, leeks, basil, and potatoes is an easy and satisfying way to stay connected to your food. Start today, and enjoy the benefits of growing your own fresh produce—over and over again.