5 Vegetables (And 3 Herbs!) You Can Easily Regrow In Water

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Next time you’re about to toss out veggie scraps, consider giving them a second life. Many vegetables and herbs can be regrown in water, either to produce edible shoots or to generate roots for replanting in your garden. Here’s how to get started:

Choosing the Right Scraps

Start with high-quality organic produce. Non-organic produce might have been treated with chemicals that inhibit regrowth. Fresh water is essential, so change it regularly to avoid sliminess. If, after a couple of weeks, you see no signs of regrowth, it’s best to compost the scraps and try again.

Carrots

While carrot tops can’t grow new carrots, they can produce delicate greens for garnishing. Place freshly cut carrot tops in a dish of water, ensuring they are not submerged. Change the water every two days, and soon you’ll have fresh greens.

Romaine Lettuce

Although you can’t regrow an entire head of lettuce, you can grow new leaves. Place a 2-inch base of romaine in a dish with an inch of water. Position it on a sunny windowsill, and change the water every two days. New growth should appear within days.

Celery

Celery is popular for regrowing in water. Start with a 2-inch celery base and suspend it in water using toothpicks. Change the water every two to three days. Sprouts should appear in a few weeks, followed by roots. Once roots form, you can either replant it in soil or continue growing it in water. Be cautious of repotting shock and extreme temperatures.

Scallions

Scallions can be regrown in water or soil. Place the white bulb with an inch or two of the light green stem in a small dish of water, ensuring it gets plenty of sunlight. Snip the stems as they grow. Alternatively, you can plant the bulbs in soil indoors or outdoors.

Potatoes

Sprouting potatoes are perfect for regrowing. Insert toothpicks a couple of inches above the end with the most sprouts to suspend the potato in water. Place it in a cup with a wide rim to support the toothpicks. Keep the glass on a sunny windowsill and change the water regularly. Once it sprouts leaves, you can replant it in soil, taking care not to damage the new roots.

Herbs

Basil, rosemary, and sage are ideal for regrowing. Cut a healthy 3- to 4-inch stem just below a leaf node, remove the lower leaves, and place the stem in a glass of clean water. Change the water every two days. Roots should appear in a few weeks, after which the herb is ready for potting.

With these tips, you can easily regrow a variety of vegetables and herbs, making the most of your kitchen scraps and enjoying fresh produce from your own home.