Whether you’re trying to reduce waste or sustain your family with nutrient-rich vegetables, regrowing produce scraps is an excellent option. Most vegetables are surprisingly easy to regrow and provide a quick return. Here are some popular veggies you can regenerate right at home:
Green Onions
Green onions are one of the simplest vegetables to regrow. After using the green stems, save the bulbs and roots for regrowth.
- Place the bulb in a glass or jar with water, roots down.
- Change the water every two days.
- In 1-2 weeks, you’ll have fully regrown green onions without the need to transfer them to soil.
Note: This method also works with leeks and scallions.
Celery
To regrow celery, you need around 2-3 inches of the celery stalk base.
- Place the stalk base in a shallow bowl of water, covering about two-thirds of the base.
- Keep in a sunny spot and change the water every other day.
- After 5-7 days, transfer to soil with the new growth tips exposed.
Note: Celery can grow indoors in a planter as long as it receives adequate sunlight and drainage.
Carrots
Regrow carrots by saving about an inch of the carrot’s base.
- Place the carrot base in a shallow dish, stalk side up, with water covering the edge of the stalk.
- Keep in a sunny spot and change water daily.
- After 1-2 weeks, either use the regrowth in salads or plant the tops in soil for a full regrowth.
Romaine Lettuce
Romaine lettuce is easy to regrow with about 3 inches of the lettuce heart.
- Place the base in a bowl with 1/2-1 inch of water, exposing the cut portion to air.
- Change the water daily and keep in a sunny location.
- When new growth appears, transplant to soil with the new sprouts exposed.
Potatoes
Potatoes are easily regrown from pieces with at least two eyes.
- Let the potato piece dry overnight.
- Plant in soil about 8 inches apart.
- Harvest after 70-120 days.
Note: Make sure your potatoes are untreated for sprouting. Avoid using rotten or diseased pieces.
Onions
To regrow onions, cut the end of an onion, leaving about 1/2 inch of the base and roots.
- Plant the onion root down in soil.
- Water well, especially in the early growth stages.
- Harvest when the leaves start to yellow and droop.
Cabbage
Cabbage can be regrown from the base and a few leftover leaves.
- Place the base in a bowl of water, submerging it halfway.
- Change the water every 2-3 days and keep in full sun.
- When new roots and leaves form, transplant to nutrient-rich soil.
Have you tried regrowing produce? Share your experiences and favorite tips in the comments below!
