Growing Vegetables from Scraps

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Transform your kitchen scraps into fresh produce. Learn the best tips for growing vegetables from scraps effortlessly.

How to Regrow Vegetables from Scraps

Regrowing vegetables from kitchen scraps is an easy, eco-friendly way to save money and reduce waste. Many vegetables can regrow with just water, light, and a little patience.

Hey, even if you just get a few leaves of growth, you can snip and use in salads!

I never know what’s going to grow profusely or struggle. But, one thing’s for sure using scraps, you have nothing invested other than what you were going to throw away, so why not give it a second chance at life. 

Growing vegetables from scraps sure does empower you! Plus, there are longevity benefits with the stress reduction and satifaction and health benefits. Not too shabby for sraps! 

Vegetables that Regrow

Here are common vegetables you can regrow from scraps:

• Green Onions / Scallions

• Lettuce (Romaine, Butterhead)

• Celery

• Leeks

• Garlic

• Potatoes

• Sweet Potatoes

• Carrots (tops for greens)

• Basil, Mint, and other herbs

• Onions

• Fennel

• Bok Choy

• Ginger

Regrow Vegetables in Water

Many vegetables start regrowing in just a cup of water:

1. Green Onions, Leeks, and Celery

   • Cut 1–2 inches above the roots.

   • Place root-end in a jar with water (roots submerged, tops above water).

   • Set near a sunny window.

   • Change water every 2–3 days.

   • New growth appears in days.

2. Romaine Lettuce and Bok Choy

   • Keep the bottom 2–3 inches.

   • Place in shallow water, cut-side up.

   • New leaves regrow from the center.

3. Carrot Tops, Turnips, Beets

   • You won’t regrow the root, but you can regrow the leafy tops.

   • Place the top in shallow water, leafy side up.

Growing Food from Scraps

If you’re growing you scraps in soil, which I love to do, here are some tips. 

• Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes: Let sprouted pieces dry, then plant in soil.

• Onions & Garlic: Plant sprouted bulbs directly in potting soil.

• Herbs: Place cuttings (like basil) in water until roots form, then pot.

• End Pieces: You cut off the bottoms of celery, romaine lettuce, bokchoy, cabbage, green onions, carrots and more. I simply twist them in a pot with fresh soil, a good dousing of water and monitor each day checking if it needs water. Within days you’ll see sprouts! 

Veggies you Can Regrow

Are you a first timer trying this? Then here are some ideas. 

Best beginner-friendly options:

• Green onions

• Romaine lettuce

• Celery

• Basil

• Garlic

• Potatoes

These regrow quickly and don’t require much care!

Benefits of Growing Vegetables from Scraps

• Reduces Food Waste 🗑️

• Saves Money 💰

• Sustainable Gardening ♻️

• Teaches Kids About Plants 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

• Fresh Greens at Home 🌿

• No Garden Needed – Just a sunny window!