🛠️ How to Regrow Leeks
- Cut and Keep: Save the bottom 2 inches of the leek with roots intact.
- Water Method: Place in a jar with roots submerged.
- Location: Bright windowsill with 6–8 hours of light/day.
- Water Refresh: Every 2 days to avoid bacterial growth.
- Sprouting Time: Expect new growth in 4–7 days.
🌿 Soil Transition
Leeks grow larger and longer in soil. Once shoots are strong, transfer to a pot or garden bed. Bury the stem deeper as it grows to get the signature white stalks.
🌿 6. Basil
🌸 Why Basil Is the Herb That Keeps on Giving
Basil is one of the easiest herbs to propagate from cuttings. You can start with a single store-bought bunch and end up with an endless supply of aromatic leaves for pastas, pizzas, and pesto.
🛠️ How to Regrow Basil
- Cut a 4–6 Inch Stem: Just below a leaf node, remove leaves from the bottom.
- Place in Water: Use a clear glass jar and place on a sunny sill.
- Change Water: Every 2–3 days.
- Root Development: In 1–2 weeks, roots will appear from the nodes.
🪴 Planting in Soil
Once roots are about 2 inches long, transfer the basil to a pot with rich soil. Keep the soil moist, and pinch off flower heads to encourage leaf production.
🌱 Bonus Tip
You can repeat this propagation endlessly—just snip another cutting and restart the process!
🥔 7. Potatoes
🥔 Why Potatoes Are a Regrower’s Goldmine
Potatoes offer the ultimate reward: from a single sprouted tuber, you can grow pounds of potatoes. It’s slightly more space-intensive, but it’s completely doable in containers.
🛠️ How to Grow Potatoes from Scraps
- Select Sprouted Potatoes: These are often discarded, but they’re perfect for regrowing.
- Cut Into Pieces: Cut potatoes so each piece has at least one or two “eyes” (sprouts).
- Cure Before Planting: Let them dry for 1–2 days to form a callus and prevent rot.
- Plant in Soil: 4 inches deep, eyes facing up.
- Container or Ground: Potatoes can grow in buckets, raised beds, or bags.
- Mounding: As plants grow, keep adding soil around the base to encourage more tubers.
⏳ Harvest Time
Expect baby potatoes in about 10 weeks, and full-size potatoes after 3–4 months.
🔁 Keep It Going
Save a few sprouted pieces from your harvest and plant again—true regrowth in action!
🧺 Final Thoughts: Sustainability Starts at Home
By learning how to regrow these 7 vegetables, you’re tapping into a time-tested, budget-friendly method of maintaining a small but productive food supply. You don’t need a large garden, greenhouse, or extensive knowledge—just some scraps, sunlight, and a little patience.
🌍 Benefits Beyond the Kitchen
- ✅ Reduces food waste
- ✅ Saves money on groceries
- ✅ Encourages sustainable living
- ✅ Offers a hands-on way to teach kids about nature and food systems
- ✅ Adds greenery and freshness to your home
📋 Quick Reference Table
| Vegetable | Method | Time to First Regrowth | Transplant to Soil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Onions | Water | 3–5 days | Optional |
| Romaine Lettuce | Water | 4–7 days | Recommended |
| Celery | Water | 5–7 days | Recommended |
| Garlic | Soil | 3–4 weeks (greens), 6+ months (bulbs) | Yes |
| Leeks | Water | 5–7 days | Yes |
| Basil | Water to soil | 10–14 days | Yes |
| Potatoes | Soil | 10–12 weeks | Yes |
If you’re looking to take your first step into home gardening or simply want to maximize your groceries, regrowing vegetables is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to start. Happy growing!
