What Vegetables Can You Regrow at Home?

Did you know that you can grow some vegetables from the kitchen waste that usually gets thrown away? This is a great method of saving money and reducing food waste (which creates greenhouse gasses). Not only that, but it’s an easy and satisfying way to see something grow from nothing!

Regrow Vegetables in Water Only

There are several types of vegetables that can be regrown in a container of plain water. Green onions and celery are well known for this ability, but there are several others that can be grown using this same method. This is the easiest way to regrow vegetables from scraps, but be aware that vegetables regrown in water may not have as much flavor or get as large as other vegetables, since they are not being given any additional nutrients.

After reviewing the process below, you will find a list of vegetables that respond well to water-only growing.

Cut the vegetable away from the base, leaving behind about 1 to 2 inches/3 to 5 cm including any visible roots

Place the root base into a container of water deep enough to submerge the roots. Choose a container that prevents the vegetable from falling over, if needed

Put the container in a warm, sunny location and change out the water every 1 to 2 days

You should see new growth starting within a few weeks. You can trim off pieces to use as you need or harvest the vegetable when it reaches full size

Common vegetables that can be regrown in water include:

Bok choy, Cabbage, Fennel Green onions, Leeks, Lemongrass

You can also regrow some herbs from cuttings in water. Good options for this method include:

Basil, Cilantro, Lemon balm, Mint, Oregano, Sage, Thyme

Regrow Vegetables in Water + Soil

There are also several additional vegetables that you can regrow at home by starting them in water and then moving them to soil once roots have sprouted. Although this is a slightly more complicated process, it is still very simple.

Follow the process of growing vegetables in water. Once it has roots at least 1 inch/ 2.5 cm long, it can be transferred to soil

Move the rooted vegetables into a pot prepared with light, well-draining soil for indoor growing, or plant them directly in a prepared area of the garden. For root vegetables like potatoes grown inside, be sure the container is large enough to contain the resulting vegetables. Make sure the roots are covered with soil and water thoroughly

Move the plant back to a sunny location. It should start to put out new growth within a few weeks, depending on the species. Harvest when the vegetable has reached full size

Vegetables appropriate for this method include:

Broccoli, Celery, Kale, Potatoes, Sweet potatoes, Yams

Regrow Vegetables From Seeds

Many of the vegetables we eat regularly have viable seeds that can be harvested and grown. The method for successfully growing vegetables from seeds can require a little trial and error, but this method works for most of them.

Remove seeds and clean them thoroughly to get rid of any pulp (which can cause the seeds to rot)

Spread the seeds out on wax paper on a flat surface in a cool, dry location

Allow the seeds to dry for at least one week (and preferably 2 to 3 weeks). Then you can either store them to use later or plant them right away. Specific requirements vary by species, but most vegetable seeds need consistent moisture, high humidity, warm temperatures, and bright indirect sun to sprout

Vegetables that can be regrown from seeds include:

Beans, Cucumber, Peas, Peppers, Pumpkin, Tomato, Squash