Some vegetables will regrow from the parts you would normally throw away. It will not replace a vegetable garden, but it gives you a few extra harvests and is a great project with children.
All you need is a sunny windowsill, a jar of water, and a little patience.
Easiest to regrow
- Spring onions — stand the white root ends in water; new green shoots appear in days
- Lettuce and pak choi — place the base in shallow water for new leaves
- Celery — the base will sprout new stalks from the centre
- Herbs like basil and mint — root cuttings in water, then pot up
- Garlic — sprouting cloves can be planted for green shoots
Tips for success
Change the water every day or two to keep it fresh, and keep the jar in bright light. Once roots develop, plant scraps in compost for stronger regrowth.
Managing expectations
Regrown lettuce and celery produce smaller harvests than the original. Spring onions and herbs give the best returns. Treat it as a bonus, not a full crop.
What to compost instead
Peels, cores, and scraps that will not regrow belong in a compost bin or food waste collection. See our composting guide.
This is general sustainability information. Recycling, composting, and disposal rules vary by municipality — check local guidance. Cost and energy savings are estimates and depend on your home and usage.