10 Easy Veggies & Herbs To Regrow From Kitchen Scraps
Regrowing vegetables from kitchen scraps is a fun and sustainable way to reduce waste and have fresh produce right at your fingertips. With just some natural light, water, and soil, you can turn ordinary trimmings into delicious greens or herbs. The best part: You don’t need any special equipment – just a windowsill or kitchen counter will do. As you experiment with regrowing different vegetables, you’ll be amazed at what you can produce from scraps that would otherwise go to waste.
Some popular and easy-to-regrow options include lettuce, carrots, celery, and herbs like cilantro and parsley. With a little creativity and some basic materials, you can turn your kitchen into an indoor garden paradise, complete with fresh veggies and herbs galore. And the best part: You’ll be reducing your environmental impact while also enjoying the fruits of your labor.
When is the best time of year to regrow kitchen scraps?
As you prepare to reinvigorate your kitchen scraps and coax new life into them, winter and early spring are ideal seasons for this endeavor. The thrill of reviving a seemingly insignificant food scrap into a thriving entity is heightened when done indoors during these colder months. Not only do you get to experience the magic of regrowing food in the comfort of your own home, but it’s also a wonderful way to keep yourself engaged and inspired while your outdoor garden lies dormant.
Why would anyone want to regrow kitchen scraps?
Regrowing vegetables and herbs in your kitchen isn’t just about reducing waste, but also about experiencing the satisfaction of growing your own food. By utilizing vegetable trimmings that would otherwise go to waste, you’ll not only save money, but also enjoy a sense of accomplishment and indulge in a culinary triumph. The journey begins with assembling the necessary supplies, which we’ll explore next.
With these essentials at hand, you’ll be well on your way to re-growing food from your old kitchen scraps.
What vegetables regrow from cuttings?
Regrowing vegetables at home is a simple yet rewarding process. Among the most popular options are lettuce, celery, green onions, ginger, garlic, fennel, and basil. With these versatile veggies, you can easily turn kitchen scraps into fresh harvests. Not only do these familiar favorites have step-by-step guides below, but I’ve also included some innovative alternatives to keep your regrowing routine exciting.
Helpful Supplies You May Need to regrow kitchen scraps:
When it comes to repurposing household items for gardening, the possibilities are endless. Containers of all kinds can be transformed into planters, and even everyday objects like newspapers can serve a purpose. In this regard, a few essential tools come in handy: a sharp kitchen knife for precision pruning, and starting pots to give your new plants a head start. Composting and using organic fertilizers also play a crucial role in nurturing the growth of your regrown veggies and herbs.
With these basics covered, let’s dive into 10+ easy vegetables and herbs that can be regrown from kitchen scraps.
10 Best Veggies to Regrow from Kitchen Scraps
When it comes to repurposing household items for gardening, the possibilities are endless. Containers of all kinds can be transformed into planters, and even everyday objects like newspapers can serve a purpose. In this regard, a few essential tools come in handy: a sharp kitchen knife for precision pruning, and starting pots to give your new plants a head start. Composting and using organic fertilizers also play a crucial role in nurturing the growth of your regrown veggies and herbs.
With these basics covered, let’s dive into 10+ easy vegetables and herbs that can be regrown from kitchen scraps.
Grow a Pineapple plant and have it bear fruit from Scraps.
From the often-discarded leaves of a pineapple, you can cultivate a thriving plant that bears fruit. By utilizing a simple setup comprising a jar, soil, and a pot, with minimal effort, you can successfully grow your very own homegrown pineapple.
How to regrow pineapple from scraps:
To successfully propagate a healthy pineapple, start by selecting one with vibrant leaves and a sturdy crown. Trim the top portion of the leaf cluster, about 1/2 inch from its base, and set it aside for planting. Cut the rest of the pineapple as you normally would, and enjoy while preparing the crown for propagation. Next, place the pineapple crown in a sunny window to air dry for 3-5 days.
This step helps remove any excess moisture from the core, reducing the risk of rot if placed in direct sunlight. Once dry, locate a glass jar with an inch of water at its bottom. Position the crown’s edge around toothpicks and suspend it over the water, leaving only the bottom inch submerged. Place the jar in a bright, sunny spot and rotate the water every week to keep it fresh.
Typically, you’ll notice roots emerging within 2-3 weeks once the roots reach 2-3 inches in length, at which point you can transfer the pineapple crown from the water bath to a pot filled with light soil. Be sure to provide your new pineapple plant with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, giving it a suitable environment to produce fruit in the future.
How to regrow Beet Greens with No Green Thumb Needed.
The wonders of beet regrowth are a treat for any gardener or home cook. To experience this phenomenon, purchase a bundle of beets with their leafy greens still intact. Once you’ve trimmed the tops from the roots, you can utilize them in your culinary creations – and enjoy their unique flavor. The beauty of beet regrowth lies not only in its ease but also in the fact that you’re reducing food waste while unlocking new possibilities for cooking and nutrition.
How to regrow beet greens:
Trim the top portion of each beet, ensuring at least 1/2 inch of the root remains intact. Next, position the cut-side downward into a water-filled dish or tray. Allow them to rest in a sunny spot within your kitchen, permitting the regrowth process to commence. After a week’s time, you can expect to see the emergence of beet greens. Simply trim what you require and proceed with cooking as desired.
How to regrow Green Onions in a jar.
When it comes to reviving vegetables, green onions take the top spot as the most accessible and effortless option. Their remarkable ability to regrow from even the smallest scraps makes them a favorite among gardeners and non-gardeners alike.
How to regrow green onions:
To propagate green onions, start by trimming the bulbs to about an inch above the roots. Then, place the cut ends in a glass filled with water, making sure they’re submerged. Position the glass near a sunny window, and as new growth emerges, regularly trim it back to encourage further development.
How to Grow New Potatoes From Peelings.
When it comes to regrowing potatoes, the humble potato eye holds the key. These small, dormant buds that dot the surface of your spuds are actually potential sprouts just waiting to be coaxed back to life. As you cut or peel your potatoes, remember that each one of these tiny eyes has the power to grow into a new plant, making it crucial to handle them with care.
How to regrow new potatoes from peelings:
When it’s time to reprocess your potato scraps, ensure each piece retains at least one or two ‘eyes’ for optimal growth. Allow these pieces to air dry overnight or for several days at room temperature, allowing them to retain moisture within and develop a dry exterior. Once the potato halves or peels have dried, replant them in soil with 8 inches of depth and about 1 foot apart (outdoors) or in a large pot with similar dimensions (indoor).
Potatoes don’t require intense direct sunlight, making any area with natural light suitable for their growth. You can seamlessly transition these indoor-grown spuds to an outdoor setting after just 10 weeks, or enjoy the fruits of your labor immediately.
How to regrow Spring Onions in soil.
To revitalize your culinary experience, you can regenerate spring onions by using a regular onion bulb. This process allows for a fresh start, as it’s possible to coax new life from an ordinary onion.
How to regrow spring onions:
When preparing to propagate your bulb, ensure there’s approximately half an inch of growth attached to the root bulb portion before making the cut. Next, place the cut section into a pot filled with soil and cover it with a layer of moistened soil. To foster healthy growth, maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil by placing the pot near a sunny window, allowing natural light to promote optimal development.
How to care for spring onions while they grow:
To properly care for spring onions, it’s essential to maintain a consistently moist soil environment. This means providing adequate water to keep the soil hydrated throughout their growth period, which typically spans around six weeks as they establish themselves in the ground. During this time, it’s crucial not to disturb them, allowing them to grow uninterrupted.
Once the green sprouts begin to appear, you can harvest and use them in your favorite recipes, but be sure to leave enough for the onions to regrow.
How to regrow Carrot Greens for salads from scraps.
While carrot tops may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about culinary delights, they can actually add a burst of flavor and nutrition to your salads. The slightly bitter taste of carrot greens pairs well with a variety of ingredients, making them a great addition to any meal.
How to regrow carrot greens:
To initiate the carrot regeneration process, start by arranging the chopped-off carrot tops on a tray or plate. Next, add enough water to create a shallow pool that covers about one-quarter of the surface area of each head. Position the setup near a sunny windowsill, ensuring the scraps receive sufficient indirect sunlight as you monitor the progress, regularly rinsing out any excess water until you notice new growth emerging.
Once the regrown greens have developed sufficiently, transfer them to an indoor container filled with soil and maintain adequate moisture levels by watering when the soil feels dry to the touch. Trim, cook, and indulge in your freshly harvested carrot treat (Source: Instructables).
How to regrow Celery on the kitchen window sill.
Regrowing celery from scraps can be a breeze, especially when using the right variety. For instance, Pascal celery is an excellent choice for this purpose. Also known as ‘green titan’, this popular variety produces large, crunchy, and flavorful stalks that are long-lasting and easy to grow. It’s a great option to consider when regrowing your grocery store-bought celery.
How to regrow celery:
To initiate the celery’s growth cycle, begin by trimming the roots at the base, leaving around an inch or two of stem intact. Place this trimmed base in a bowl filled with water, ensuring the stalks are positioned upwards towards the surface. Ensure the setup receives sufficient sunlight and perform regular watering by rinsing out the water every week.
As the celery begins to produce new leaves from its center, allow it to develop some thickness over the course of about a week before transplanting it into a pot filled with soil.
How to regrow Romaine Lettuce, Bok Choy, and Cabbage.
Reviving the humble kitchen herb garden just got a whole lot easier. You can effortlessly coax new growth from romaine lettuce, cabbage, and bok choy leaves, just like you would with celery. With these simple steps, regrowing your favorite greens has never been more convenient.
How to regrow lettuce, cabbage, and bok choy:
For optimal results, place the stub of your chosen vegetable in a bowl and fill the water halfway, ensuring the base of the roots remains submerged. Allow natural sunlight to facilitate growth, ideally positioning the regrowing process near a sunny window. As the leaves begin to regrow, typically within days, you can safely transfer the stumps to a soil pot for continued cultivation and enjoyment.
As you embark on this journey of transforming old food scraps into edible delights, you’ll discover the thrill of recreating sustenance from what was once perceived as mere waste. Moreover, you’ll have the added bonus of cultivating free plants – a true treat. I hope this article has inspired you to give veggie regrowing a try. Don’t hesitate to share it with anyone who would appreciate the simple joy of growing their own food at home.
