Regrow Vegetables and Cultivate Plants Indoors
Theres something quietly satisfying about watching kitchen scraps sprout back to life. I dont know about you, but chucking out the ends of spring onions or celery feels like tossing little bundles of potential into the bin.
So instead, I started a wee experiment on my windowsilljust to see what would happen. Spoiler: it actually works. And now Im hooked.
It all began with a sad little lettuce stump. I stuck it in a shallow bowl of water, shoved it near the window, and within daysboomnew leaves. Thats when the lightbulb went off.
If one veggie could make a comeback, what else could I bring back to life indoors?
Windowsills, Countertops, and That One Random Spot That Gets All the Sun
Most regrowing adventures start with a splash of water and a bit of sun.
A bright windowsill is prime real estate in my house nowespecially the north-facing one that seems to catch every last drop of afternoon light (well, when Auckland weather cooperates).
Youll want somewhere thats warm-ish, gets at least a bit of indirect sun, and doesnt get blasted by cold air every time someone opens the fridge.
Some plants like a cosy jar of waterspring onions, leeks, basilwhile others will eventually need potting up. Ive got jars, tins, even old coffee mugs doing the job.
Its not fancy, but it works. One of my mates even uses old wine bottles cut in half (which, lets be honest, is very on-brand for her).
And its not just herbs. Youd be surprised at how many full-on veggies can be grown inside if you give them half a chance. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and chard? Easy. Radishes and baby carrots?
Totally doable in deep pots. Even cherry tomatoes, if youve got a sunny enough spot and a bit of patience.
Turning Scraps into Soil Legends
Once those roots start showing off, youve got a choicekeep em in water for fun, or pot them up and go full-on plant parent.
I lean toward the latter. Watching something grow in proper soil just feels more¦ I dunno, grounded.
Celery and bok choy especially do well when you transplant them into a pot with decent drainage and soil that stays moist but not soggy. Nothing fancyjust your basic potting mix from Mitre 10 does the trick. Maybe with a little compost if youve got some.
Other scraps you can regrow? Garlic cloves (theyll sprout and grow new bulbs if you give em time), ginger roots (though theyre slow as molasses), and even potatoes if youve got a sprouted one lying around.
Just cut it into chunks with an eye each and bury them in a deep pot of soil. Boomhomegrown spuds.
Little Gardens in Big Cities (or Small Flats)
You dont need a backyard or even a balcony to make this work. Ive got a mate in an apartment up on the 10th floor and shes growing chillies, mint, and green onions in her kitchen.
All it takes is a bit of creativity and the right containers.
Use stackable planters if youre short on space. Hanging baskets if youre feeling adventurous.
Even shoeboxes if you line them properlyalthough theyre not the prettiest. You can mix it up with decorative pots if aesthetics are your jam.
You can also grow:
- Peas they love cooler temps, and the shoots taste amazing in stir-fries.
- Bush beans not as needy as full climbers, and great in big indoor tubs.
- Cucumbers pick a dwarf variety and let it climb near a bright window.
- Beet greens you can grow them just for the tops if space is tight.
And Dont Forget the Houseplants
Once you start regrowing edibles, its a slippery slope into leafy green houseplant obsession.
Trust me, Ive been there. A peace lily here, a pothos there, next thing you know youre naming them and talking to them when no ones around.
But honestly, they help with the vibe. That soft jungle energy makes a place feel alive. Plus, some indoor plants actually help purify the air. Win-win.
Mistakes, Mishaps, and Miracles
Not every attempt is gonna be a success. I tried regrowing garlic once and ended up with a weird sprouted bulb that smelled like feet. Carrots gave me nothing but frilly green tops (which are edible but not thrilling).
But then a pineapple top sprouted and now Ive got this spiky little crown that looks majestic and ridiculous all at once.
Thats the fun of it, though. You try, you fail, you laugh, and you move on to the next bit of greenery.
If youre on the fence about starting an indoor veggie garden or giving regrowth a crackjust do it.
Doesnt matter if its just one old garlic clove or a sprouting spud. You dont need a green thumb. You just need a window, some scraps, and a bit of patience.
And maybe a spray bottle. Trust me on that one.