Free Food Forever: 31 Vegetables That Regrow From Kitchen Scraps

Chuvic - June 15, 2025
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Did you know that your kitchen scraps hold the secret to endless fresh produce? Instead of tossing out those bits and ends, you can regrow a surprising variety of vegetables right at home. This simple step not only saves money but also reduces food waste and supports a more sustainable lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a total beginner, regrowing vegetables from scraps is easy, rewarding, and fun. Get ready to discover how your leftovers can become a lush, edible garden!

1. Green Onions

1. Green Onions
Bright green scallions sprout new shoots in a glass of water, adding a fresh touch to the kitchen counter. | Image source: Photo by Annushka Ahuja on Pexels

Green onions are a regrowth superstar in any kitchen. Simply save the white root ends and place them upright in a glass of water, ensuring the roots are submerged. Within just a few days, you’ll see fresh green shoots emerge, ready for harvest! They’re ideal for adding a crisp, mild flavor to salads, soups, and garnishes. For a step-by-step walkthrough, check out this helpful guide from The Spruce.
Regrowing green onions is quick, easy, and rewarding—perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike.

2. Lettuce

Vibrant close-up of fresh green lettuce leaves in a garden, highlighting details.
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Don’t toss your lettuce bases—they’re the key to endless fresh greens. Place the base in a shallow bowl of water, and in just about a week, you’ll notice new leaves beginning to sprout. Romaine and butterhead lettuces are especially reliable for this regrowing trick. It’s a wonderful way to cut down on food waste while keeping your salads crisp and homegrown. For more tips and a step-by-step process, visit Better Homes & Gardens.
Enjoy a steady supply of greens right from your windowsill!

3. Celery

Close-up of a woman washing fresh celery in a kitchen sink, promoting healthy eating.
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Celery is another kitchen staple that’s remarkably easy to regrow. Start by placing the base of your celery stalk in a bowl of water, cut side up, and set it on a sunny windowsill. Within a few days, new leaves and tiny stalks will begin to appear at the center. Once growth is visible, transplant it into soil for a steady supply of crisp celery, ideal for snacking or adding to your favorite recipes. For a detailed look at the process, see Harvard’s nutrition department.

4. Garlic

Close-up image of fresh organic garlic bulbs bunched together, showcasing texture and freshness.
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Garlic is incredibly simple to regrow from a single clove. Just plant a leftover clove in soil or place it in a shallow dish with a little water. Soon, you’ll notice green shoots emerging—these are edible and have a delicate, chive-like flavor, perfect for garnishing dishes. Not only does this method reduce waste, but it also gives you a continuous source of fresh garlic greens. For additional tips and guidance, visit Almanac.com.
Make the most of every garlic clove in your kitchen!

5. Carrot Tops

A bunch of fresh organic carrots on a wooden board, emphasizing healthy eating.
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Although you can’t regrow the carrot root, carrot tops come back to life beautifully when the cut ends are placed in shallow water. Within days, they’ll sprout fresh, feathery greens that are not only attractive but also edible. Use these tender leaves in homemade pesto, salads, or as a garnish to add a burst of flavor and color. This regrowing process is fun for both kids and adults, making it a fantastic kitchen science experiment. For more ideas, visit Good Housekeeping.

6. Leeks

A woman in a pink shirt playfully hides behind leeks in a modern kitchen setting.
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Leeks are just as easy to regrow as green onions. Simply place the white root ends in a glass of water, and you’ll see new green shoots sprouting within a week. These fresh leeks are perfect for adding a subtle, sweet onion flavor to soups, stews, and sautés. Regrowing leeks is both practical and rewarding, allowing you to stretch your groceries further. For step-by-step instructions and more tips, refer to Iowa State University’s extension program.
Enjoy a steady supply of this versatile vegetable right from your kitchen!

7. Basil

Vibrant fresh basil leaves, perfect for healthy cooking and herbal use.
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Basil is a favorite herb that’s incredibly simple to propagate from kitchen cuttings. Place a stem with a few leaves in a glass of water, making sure the leaves stay above the waterline. In about a week, you’ll notice roots forming. Once the roots are a couple of inches long, transplant your new basil plant into soil for a continuous harvest of fragrant, flavorful leaves. For helpful advice on getting the best results, check out Gardening Know How.
Enjoy fresh basil year-round, right from your kitchen!

8. Cilantro

Fresh green herbs growing in a white pot on a colorful patio. Ideal for healthy lifestyle concepts.
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Cilantro is another herb that thrives when regrown from kitchen scraps. Place leftover stems in a glass of water, and in just a few days, you’ll see new roots and fresh leaves developing. Once the roots are established, move the plant to soil for ongoing harvests throughout the season. This regrowing method is especially popular among those who crave the vibrant flavor of fresh cilantro in their dishes. For a step-by-step guide, visit The Kitchn.
Enjoy homegrown cilantro anytime you need it!

9. Bok Choy

Close-up of hands holding wicker baskets filled with fresh vegetables and fruits outdoors.
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Bok choy is a versatile vegetable that’s easy to regrow from its base. Simply place the base in a shallow bowl of water and set it on a sunny windowsill. Within days, you’ll see new green leaves beginning to sprout from the center. Once the roots and shoots are well established, transplant the bok choy into soil for further growth. This method works much like celery and is perfect for fans of Asian-inspired dishes. For detailed steps, check out Epicurious.

10. Fennel

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Fennel is another kitchen scrap that regrows easily with just a little water and sunlight. Place the fennel base in a shallow dish of water and position it in a sunny spot. Soon, you’ll see delicate green fronds sprouting from the center—these can be harvested for seasoning or garnishes. If given time, the bulb itself will slowly regrow, ready for culinary use in soups, salads, or roasts. For a thorough guide to the process, visit Gardening Channel.
Enjoy fresh fennel grown right at home!

11. Sweet Potatoes

Close-up of fresh sweet potatoes in a wooden crate, ideal for cooking.
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Regrowing sweet potatoes is both fascinating and productive. Suspend half a sweet potato in water using toothpicks, and within a couple of weeks, you’ll notice slips, or sprouts, emerging from the top. These slips can be gently removed and planted in soil, where they’ll grow into full sweet potato plants. It’s a rewarding process that yields delicious, homegrown tubers for baking, roasting, or mashing. For a comprehensive guide, take a look at University of California Agriculture.
Grow your own sweet potatoes from just a kitchen scrap!

12. Potatoes

Golden potatoes spilling from a burlap sack onto rich soil, ready for cooking.
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Those sprouting “eyes” on your potatoes are actually the start of new plants! Cut a potato into chunks, making sure each piece has at least one eye or sprout, and let them dry for a day. Plant these pieces in soil, and soon you’ll see green shoots emerge above the surface. Each sprouted section can grow into a full potato plant, producing a generous harvest. For step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, visit Michigan State University Extension.
Turn kitchen scraps into a homegrown potato bounty!

13. Ginger

13. Ginger
A fresh ginger root sits on a windowsill, vibrant green sprouts emerging as it begins to regrow. | Image source: Photo by Joris Neyt on Pexels

Ginger is a wonderful spice that can be easily regrown from a small piece of the root, or rhizome. Simply plant a chunk of ginger with visible “eyes” in moist soil, and soon you’ll notice new shoots and roots developing. Ginger grows slowly, but the wait is well worth it—fresh, homegrown ginger is aromatic and flavorful for a variety of dishes. For a comprehensive growing guide, check out The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own ginger right from home!

14. Turmeric

Hands holding fresh turmeric in a mesh bag on a white table, highlighting natural ingredients.
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Turmeric is an earthy, health-boosting root that regrows easily from small pieces of its rhizome. Plant the chunks in warm, moist soil and keep them in a sunny spot. In just a few weeks, you’ll see vibrant green shoots beginning to grow. Fresh turmeric is prized for its culinary and medicinal uses, adding color and flavor to curries, teas, and more. For step-by-step planting advice, explore Gardening Know How.
Grow your own turmeric and enjoy its many benefits straight from your garden!

15. Onion

15. Onion
A fresh onion bulb sits in water, sprouting vibrant green shoots and delicate white roots as it regrows. | Image source: Photo by Ömer Furkan Yakar on Pexels

Onion bottoms with roots are surprisingly easy to regrow into new bulbs. Place the root end in shallow water or directly in soil, ensuring the roots are covered. Soon, you’ll notice green shoots sprouting up, and over time, new onion bulbs will form beneath the surface. This method works well for yellow, white, and red onions, making it a versatile way to stretch your grocery budget. For additional details and growing tips, visit Almanac.com.
Enjoy a continuous supply of onions for all your cooking needs!

16. Chives

Close-up of blossoming purple chive flowers in a lush garden setting during summer.
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Chives are a perennial herb that can keep your kitchen stocked with fresh flavor all year. Simply divide a clump or root section from an existing plant and replant it in soil, either indoors or outdoors. Chives grow quickly and require minimal care, making them a favorite for windowsill gardening. Their mild onion-like taste is perfect for topping soups, salads, and more. For a step-by-step guide on growing and dividing chives, visit BBC Gardeners’ World.
Enjoy a steady supply of this versatile herb!

17. Parsnips

A vibrant display of fresh root vegetables and leafy greens at a market.
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Parsnip tops can be given new life by placing them in a shallow dish of water. While you won’t regrow the root itself, the leafy greens that sprout are edible and packed with nutrients. These fresh greens can be used in salads, soups, or as a garnish, adding a unique flavor and extra nutrition to your meals. It’s a simple way to reduce waste and savor more from each parsnip. For additional growing advice and tips, check out RHS Gardening.
Experiment with homegrown parsnip greens today!

18. Peppers

Colorful mix of fresh chili peppers highlighting their natural vibrancy and variety.
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Don’t throw away the seeds from your sweet or hot peppers—they’re perfect for growing new plants. Simply dry the seeds from your kitchen scraps and plant them in moist soil, either indoors or out, depending on your climate. With a bit of patience, you’ll see seedlings emerge, ready to grow into productive pepper plants. Both sweet and spicy varieties propagate well using this method. For detailed growing instructions and helpful tips, visit Fine Gardening.
Enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting homegrown peppers from your own seeds!

19. Tomatoes

A vivid collection of fresh, ripe red tomatoes perfect for nutritious meals.
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Tomato seeds from your kitchen can become the start of a productive garden. Simply scoop seeds from a ripe tomato, rinse away the pulp, and let them dry thoroughly. Plant the seeds in soil, and in a few weeks, you’ll see new seedlings emerge. For the best results, use heirloom varieties, which reliably grow true to the parent fruit. This method offers a rewarding way to regrow delicious, homegrown tomatoes. For expert tips and details, visit University of Minnesota Extension.
Start your tomato journey from kitchen scraps!

20. Peas

A vibrant close-up image of fresh, organic green peas for healthy eating.
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If you have mature pea pods, you’re just a step away from growing a fresh crop. Remove the seeds from the pods, allow them to dry, and then plant them in soil. Peas are incredibly easy to grow, whether in containers or directly in your garden, making them ideal for gardeners of all skill levels. With just a little care, you’ll soon enjoy sweet, crisp peas straight from your own plants. For detailed advice on pea propagation, visit Royal Horticultural Society.
Turn kitchen leftovers into a thriving pea patch!

21. Pumpkins

21. Pumpkins
Tiny pumpkin sprouts emerge from rich soil, surrounded by scattered pumpkin seeds, marking the start of a new pumpkin patch. | Image source: Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels

Pumpkin seeds collected from your kitchen scraps can be transformed into thriving pumpkin vines. Clean and dry the seeds thoroughly before planting them in warm, fertile soil. With the right care and a sunny spot, these seeds will soon sprout into vigorous plants, eventually producing their own pumpkins. This process is not only fun but also rewarding, especially for families and home gardeners. For a complete planting guide and helpful tips, visit Almanac.com.
Grow your own pumpkins from kitchen leftovers!

22. Cabbage

22. Cabbage
A cabbage base sits in a glass of water on a sunny windowsill, sprouting fresh, vibrant green leaves. | Image source: Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels

Cabbage bases can easily regrow new leaves when set in a shallow dish of water, much like lettuce. Place the base in water on a sunny windowsill, and you’ll see fresh green leaves start to emerge in just a few days. For full head formation, transplant the growing cabbage plant into soil once roots and new leaves develop. This method is perfect for reducing kitchen waste and enjoying homegrown cabbage. For step-by-step guidance, visit Gardening Know How.
Watch your cabbage scraps transform into a thriving new plant!

23. Turnips

A variety of fresh turnips displayed on a yellow tray at a farmers market.
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Turnip tops are easy to regrow—just place the cut tops in a shallow dish of water and set them in a sunny spot. In a few days, you’ll notice fresh leafy greens sprouting from the tops, much like the regrowth you see with beets and carrots. These turnip greens are both edible and packed with nutrients, making them a great addition to salads, soups, or sautés. For a more detailed look at regrowing turnips, visit Gardener’s Path.
Give your turnip scraps a second life in your kitchen!

24. Beets

A vivid scene at a farmers market with fresh beets for sale, highlighting local produce and community commerce.
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Beet tops can be placed in a shallow dish of water to regrow lush, edible greens. While the beetroot itself won’t reform, the leaves that sprout are delicious and can be harvested again and again. These beet greens are perfect sautéed, tossed in salads, or added to smoothies for a nutritional boost. It’s a simple and sustainable way to get more from your beets. For more growing tips and ideas, check out Almanac.com.
Enjoy fresh beet greens right from your kitchen scraps!

25. Mustard Greens

Health benefits of mustard greens featured
Bright mustard greens sprout vibrant new leaves, showcasing the fresh regrowth of these nutrient-packed leafy greens. | Image source: gardenerspath.com

Mustard green stems can be placed in a glass of water, where they’ll quickly develop roots and sprout fresh leaves. Once the plant is well-rooted, transplant it to soil for a continuous supply of spicy, nutrient-rich greens. This method is simple and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a steady harvest of mustard greens throughout the year. For detailed growing instructions and helpful tips, check out The Spruce.
Turn your leftover stems into a thriving kitchen garden!

26. Spinach

A close-up of fresh spinach leaves in a white bowl, ideal for healthy salads.
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Spinach bases, when placed in a shallow dish of water, can quickly regrow tender new leaves within a week or two. Once you spot fresh growth, move the plant into soil for a larger and longer-lasting harvest. This regrowing method helps you make the most of your spinach purchases and ensures a steady supply of leafy greens. Spinach is perfect for salads, smoothies, and sautés. For extra tips on maximizing your spinach regrowth, visit Gardening Know How.
Enjoy fresh spinach from your kitchen scraps!

27. Kohlrabi

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A kohlrabi base sits in a glass of water, sprouting fresh, vibrant green leaves from the top. | Image source: lamiacucina.blog

Kohlrabi bases can be revived by placing them in a shallow dish of water, just like cabbage and lettuce. New leafy greens will begin to sprout from the top, providing a continuous source of edible leaves for salads or cooking. These tender greens are packed with flavor and nutrition, making them a delicious addition to your meals. Once established, you can even transfer the growing base to soil for more robust growth. For more on kohlrabi cultivation, visit Harvest to Table.
Give your kohlrabi scraps a second chance to thrive!

28. Radishes

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Radish tops sprout fresh green leaves in a glass of water, surrounded by vibrant radish greens and scattered seeds. | Image source: flickr.com

Radish tops placed in shallow water will quickly regrow fresh, edible greens that can be harvested for salads or cooked dishes. While the root itself won’t regrow from scraps, you can plant seeds saved from mature radishes to produce new radish roots in your garden. This is a simple and effective way to enjoy both the greens and roots from your kitchen leftovers. For expert advice and growing tips, check out The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Maximize your radish harvest with these easy methods!

29. Lemongrass

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Fresh stalks of lemongrass regrow vibrant green shoots while soaking in a clear glass of water on the windowsill. | Image source: pixabay.com

Lemongrass stalks are incredibly easy to regrow—just place the lower portion of the stalks in a glass of water and watch as roots quickly develop. Once the roots are a few inches long, transfer the stalks to soil for continuous harvests throughout the year. Lemongrass is a fragrant herb that’s essential in many Asian recipes, adding a bright, citrusy flavor to dishes. For more tips on growing and harvesting lemongrass, visit Gardening Know How.
Grow fresh lemongrass straight from your kitchen scraps!

30. Pineapple

A single ripe pineapple with vibrant green leaves set against a white background, showcasing freshness.
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Though technically a fruit, pineapple tops offer an exciting regrowth project for home gardeners. Twist or cut off the leafy crown, remove a few lower leaves, and place it in water until roots form. Once you see healthy roots, plant the top in soil for a new pineapple plant. It’s a fun, long-term experiment that can eventually yield sweet, homegrown pineapples with enough patience and care. For detailed instructions and care tips, visit University of Florida Extension.
Start your own tropical adventure from a kitchen scrap!

31. Jerusalem Artichoke (Sunchoke)

Jerusalem artichoke sunchoke tuber
Freshly harvested Jerusalem artichoke tubers rest beside a thriving sunchoke plant, illustrating vibrant regrowth in the garden. | Image source: scientificgardener.blogspot.com

Jerusalem artichokes, or sunchokes, are robust tubers that regrow easily from small pieces planted directly in soil. These hardy plants thrive in a variety of conditions and produce abundant, nutty-flavored tubers that are delicious roasted, sautéed, or added to soups. Simply plant a chunk with at least one “eye,” and you’ll enjoy a productive harvest season after season. For a full guide to growing Jerusalem artichokes, visit Gardener’s Supply Company.
Experience this unique and rewarding crop from your kitchen scraps!

Conclusion

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A vibrant kitchen garden brims with regrown vegetables, showcasing the rewarding results of home gardening success. | Image source: flickr.com

Regrowing vegetables from kitchen scraps is a remarkably simple and rewarding way to save money, reduce waste, and embrace sustainability at home. With just a little water, soil, and sunlight, you can transform everyday leftovers into a thriving edible garden—no green thumb required. From leafy greens to root vegetables and herbs, the possibilities are endless. Why not experiment with a few scraps today? Enjoy fresher flavors, teach kids about nature, and take a step toward a more eco-friendly lifestyle—one kitchen scrap at a time!

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