Before you toss that leftover onion root or lettuce stump into the bin, wait a second. Some of the most common vegetables in your kitchen can regrow again and again, right on your windowsill.
It's an easy way to save a little money, cut down on food waste, and always have something fresh within arm's reach. Here are five of the most reliable vegetables that can come back to life in a sunny corner of your kitchen.
Green onions
Green onions are a real treasure because they can be regrown almost endlessly. All you have to do is place the white base of the onion, with a bit of root still attached, into a glass of water.
Set it somewhere sunny and watch as fresh green shoots appear. Just remember to change the water every couple of days so the plant stays healthy.
Romaine lettuce
The inner core of a romaine lettuce, the part you'd normally throw away, can be brought back to life too. Place the stump in a bowl of water, making sure the water covers the bottom.
Within a few days, new leaves start to unfurl, perfect for a fresh salad or tucked into a sandwich.
Leeks
Leeks regrow in much the same way as green onions. Just pop the bottom of the stalk into water and keep it in a sunny spot.
Within a few weeks, new leaves push up and you'll have fresh leek to use in your cooking again.
If you're enjoying these little windowsill experiments, you might also love discovering more simple gardening tricks that save money at home.
For most vegetables, you'll see new shoots appear within just a few days or weeks.
Garlic
Many people wouldn't guess that garlic can be regrown, but it's actually incredibly simple. Gently plant a single clove in a little soil, root-side down.
With regular watering, new shoots soon appear, and before long you'll have fresh garlic greens to enjoy.
Celery
Celery is another one that revives with ease. Place the base of the celery in a small bowl of water, and after a few days tiny leaves will start to sprout on top.
Once it's growing well, you can transplant it into soil so it can develop even further.
How long does it take for vegetables to regrow?
For most of these vegetables, new shoots or leaves appear within just a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the plant and how much sunlight it gets.
Do I need soil to regrow these vegetables?
Not always. Green onions, romaine lettuce, leeks and celery can all start in a bowl or glass of water. Garlic, on the other hand, does best when planted directly in a little soil.
How often should I change the water?
Change the water every couple of days. Fresh water keeps the plant healthy and helps prevent it from going bad while new growth develops.
Can I really regrow these vegetables more than once?
Yes. Green onions in particular can be regrown almost endlessly, giving you a steady supply of fresh greens straight from your kitchen windowsill.
