Regrowing vegetables from scraps is an easy and budget-friendly way to get more out of your groceries. Who doesn’t like free seeds, right!? Whether you have a small kitchen or a full garden, these simple methods will help you grow fresh produce at home. Plus, I’ve included some handy tools that I’ve tried and have found make the process even easier!
1. Green Onions
Green onions are one of the easiest veggies to regrow! After using the green tops in your favorite dish, place the white root ends in a glass of water (these glass jars work perfectly). Keep them on a sunny windowsill and within days, new green shoots will start to appear! Make sure to change the water every couple of days to keep them fresh. I’ve let mine go for too long and it can start to get discoloured, you don’t want that. For long-term regrowth, you can transfer them to small pots with soil (I love these compact planters).
2. Lettuce & Romaine
Don’t toss the bottom of your lettuce head! Place it in a shallow dish with water and set it in a sunny spot. In about a week, new small leaves will sprout from the center. Once it’s growing well, transfer it to nutrient-rich potting soil (this organic mix is a great choice). I struggled with this one at first, but persistence paid off and I eventually grew some lettuce! A grow light (like this one) can also help if you’re regrowing indoors.
3. Celery
Just like lettuce, celery can regrow easily. Place the base of the stalk in a dish of water (I use these reusable containers), and once new growth appears, transplant it into a raised bed or pot (these fabric grow bags are great for small spaces).
Fresh homegrown celery is so much better than store-bought!
4. Garlic
If you’ve ever had garlic sprout in your pantry, don’t throw it away, plant it! Each clove will develop into a full bulb over time. I prefer planting garlic in the fall when temperatures drop to around 5°C (about 41°F), then it’s ready by summer. For small-space gardening, try stackable planters (like these space-saving ones). Plus, a garden trowel set (this one is beginner-friendly I find) makes planting easier!
5. Potatoes
Got sprouting potatoes? Turn them into a harvest! Cut them into chunks, ensuring each piece has at least one “eye.” Let them dry for a day, then plant them about three inches deep in soil-filled containers (these large grow bags are perfect). I’ve had great success growing potatoes in both buckets and raised beds. If you want to maximize your yield, try potato grow towers (these ones are awesome).
Regrowing vegetables is an easy way to get more out of your produce while saving money! With the right tools, you can create a thriving mini garden right in your backyard or even your kitchen. Hopefully these tips and tools work as well for you as they have for me!