You don’t need a green thumb—or even a garden—to start growing your own food. In fact, your next harvest could be hiding in your kitchen scraps. Many common grocery store items can regenerate with just water, light, and time.
These 12 foods are surprisingly easy to grow again, helping you save money and reduce food waste.
Green Onions
Place the white root ends of green onions in a jar of water. Within days, they’ll sprout new green tops ready for chopping. Just keep the water fresh and give them some sunlight.
Romaine Lettuce
The base of a romaine heart can regrow into a fresh head. Sit it in a shallow dish of water, and leaves will start forming from the center in about a week. Transfer to soil for bigger growth.
Celery
Chop off the bottom of the celery stalk and place it in a bowl of water. New leaves and stalks will emerge from the center in just a few days. Once established, move it to soil for a full plant.
Garlic
If your garlic cloves start sprouting, don’t toss them. Plant them in soil, and you’ll grow green garlic shoots or eventually a whole new bulb. It’s easy and great for adding flavor to dishes.
Ginger
Ginger root with visible “eyes” can be planted in soil to regrow. Keep it in a warm, humid spot, and new shoots will sprout from the eyes. Harvest as needed once the plant matures.
Potatoes
Spuds with “eyes” or sprouts can be chopped and planted. Each chunk with an eye can grow into a full potato plant. They love deep, well-drained soil and regular watering.
Basil
A basil stem with a few leaves can grow roots in water. After a week or two, it’ll be ready for soil, where it’ll thrive and provide fresh herbs all season long. Just snip and regrow again.
Carrot Tops
While you won’t regrow the root, carrot tops can regrow into leafy greens. Set the tops in a dish with water, and new greens will sprout. They’re edible and great for garnishes or pesto.
Lemongrass
Place the stalks in a jar of water, and roots will form in about a week. Once rooted, plant them in soil and watch them flourish. Lemongrass loves the heat and is great for teas and soups.
Leeks
Leeks regrow just like green onions. Keep the white base in water, and new green growth will appear in days. They’ll keep growing and can be trimmed as needed.
Sweet Potatoes
Place half a sweet potato in water using toothpicks to suspend it. Shoots (called slips) will grow from the top, which you can plant in soil. Each slip can turn into its own plant.
Pineapple
Cut the leafy top off a pineapple and let it dry for a day. Then place it in soil and water it regularly. In warm climates, it can eventually grow into a whole new pineapple plant—though you’ll need patience!
Who knew your next garden could start on your kitchen counter? Regrowing these foods is a fun and sustainable way to stretch your groceries further. Give it a try—and enjoy the magic of growing something from nothing.
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