Regrowing plants from leftover fruit, vegetables, and herbs is a creative and eco-friendly way to reduce waste while saving money on groceries. Beyond being a rewarding project, it’s an excellent opportunity to cultivate fresh, homegrown ingredients right on your windowsill.
From sprouting vibrant herbs to nurturing citrus plants, these simple tips will help you turn everyday leftovers into thriving greenery.
1. Start A Home Composting Regime

To regrow kitchen scraps successfully, you’ll need a nutrient-rich growing medium. While store-bought compost is an option, starting your own composting regime is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative. Compost provides vital nutrients for your plants, improving growth and soil health.
Start by collecting kitchen waste like vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, tea bags, and eggshells. If you have outdoor space, invest in a compost bin or heap. For those in smaller homes, use a compact composting bucket under your sink. Stir the contents occasionally to encourage decomposition, and within a few months, you’ll have nutrient-rich compost ready to nourish your plants.
2. Separating Basil

Store-bought basil plants often consist of multiple small plants crowded into one pot. To give each plant room to grow, gently separate them. Remove the basil from its original pot, shake off excess soil, and carefully untangle the roots.
Place each plant in a glass of water until new roots develop. Then, transplant them into separate pots filled with well-draining soil. Position the pots on a sunny windowsill and water regularly. With proper care, these plants can provide an endless supply of fresh basil leaves.
3. Keep Out of Direct Heat Sources

While many plants thrive in sunlight, too much heat can cause wilting, drying, or even death. Avoid placing plants on south-facing windowsills that receive intense heat throughout the day or near radiators, heaters, or stoves.
If you notice your plant leaves browning or curling, move them to a spot with bright but indirect sunlight. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged, and mist plants occasionally to maintain humidity levels, especially during dry winter months.
4. Regrowing Celery

Regrowing celery is simple and rewarding. After using the stalks, cut the base of the celery, leaving about two inches intact. Place the base in a shallow glass of water, ensuring the bottom is submerged.
Change the water every two days to prevent bacterial growth. Within a week, you should see roots and small leaves forming at the center. Once roots are well-developed, transplant the celery into soil, keeping the top slightly above the surface. Water regularly, and soon you’ll have fresh celery growing at home.
5. Dry Out Your Seeds

Seeds from fruits like tomatoes, peppers, and melons can be saved and replanted. First, rinse seeds thoroughly to remove pulp and residue, which can attract mold. Spread them out on a paper towel or a ceramic plate in a cool, dry spot out of direct sunlight.
Let the seeds dry for two to three weeks, then store them in a labeled envelope or jar. When planting season arrives, you’ll have a ready supply of seeds to grow your favorite produce.
6. How to Regrow Potatoes

Green or sprouting potatoes are perfect for regrowth. Place them in a cool, dark spot until the eyes develop strong shoots. Once ready, cut the potato into sections, ensuring each piece has at least one eye.
Plant these sections in well-draining soil with the shoots facing up. Cover with a few inches of soil and water sparingly until growth begins. Gradually add more soil to “earth up” as the plants grow, encouraging a bountiful harvest.
7. When to Move On

If roots don’t develop within one to two weeks, it’s time to discard the plant and try again. Compost the failed attempt to contribute to your home composting regime. Some scraps may take longer to sprout, but patience is key. Keep experimenting with different scraps to discover what works best for you.
8. Expect a Milder Flavor

Regrown produce often has a milder flavor than store-bought counterparts. For example, regrown peppers might lack their usual heat, and onions could taste less pungent. This change is due to the plant’s growing conditions, which may differ from its original environment.
While milder flavors might not suit all tastes, they can be perfect for children or those who prefer less intense flavors. Experiment with different growing conditions, such as light, water, and soil quality, to enhance the flavor profile.
9. Regrow These Root Ends

Regrowing plants like garlic, onions, and leeks follows a similar method. Trim the root end of the vegetable, leaving at least two inches intact. Place it in a shallow dish of water with the roots submerged.
Change the water every few days, and once roots develop, transplant the cutting into soil. These hardy plants grow quickly and can produce multiple harvests over time.
10. Citrus Plants

Growing citrus plants from seeds is a long-term project but well worth the effort. Clean the seeds thoroughly, then keep them moist by wrapping them in a damp paper towel placed inside a plastic bag.
Once they germinate, plant them in small pots filled with well-draining soil. Citrus plants thrive in warmth and sunlight, so keep them in a bright indoor location. Over time, they can grow into lush indoor trees and, if conditions are right, produce fruit.