15 Vegetables You Can Buy Once and Regrow Forever

Are you tired of buying the same vegetables every week? What if you could regrow fresh produce from scraps you’d normally throw away? Yes, it’s possible — and easier than you think!

Many common vegetables can be regrown from kitchen scraps using just water, soil, and a bit of sunlight . Whether you’re living in an apartment or have a backyard garden, this guide will show you how to regrow vegetables forever , saving money, reducing waste, and giving you access to fresh, organic produce all year long.

Why Regrow Vegetables at Home?

Regrowing vegetables is more than just a fun kitchen experiment — it’s a sustainable lifestyle choice with real benefits:

• ✅ Save money : Reduce grocery bills by growing your own food.
• ✅ Reduce food waste : Turn vegetable scraps into new plants instead of tossing them.
• ✅ Enjoy fresher produce : Harvest veggies right when you need them.
• ✅ Educational for kids : Teach children about gardening and sustainability.
• ✅ Eco-friendly : Cut down on packaging and transportation emissions.

Let’s dive into the top vegetables you can buy once and regrow forever .

Top 15 Vegetables You Can Regrow From Scraps

1. Green Onions (Scallions)

What to Save: The white root end
How to Regrow:

• Place 1–2 inches of water in a small glass or jar.
• Stand the onion bottoms upright in the water.
• Change water every few days.
• Once roots grow, plant in soil for continuous growth.

Harvest tip: Cut the green tops as needed — they’ll keep growing!

2. Lemongrass

What to Save: Stalk base with roots
How to Regrow:

• Place the bottom of lemongrass stalks in a glass of water.
• Keep in a sunny spot until new growth appears.
• Transplant into soil for full-grown stalks.

3. Celery

What to Save: The base (about 1–2 inches)
How to Regrow:

• Place the base in a shallow bowl with warm water.
• Set in indirect sunlight and change water daily.
• After a week, transplant into soil when leaves appear.

Pro Tip: It won’t regrow into a full stalk, but you’ll get flavorful leafy greens.

4. Bok Choy

What to Save: The root base
How to Regrow:

• Place the base in a bowl with a little water.
• Position in a sunny window.
• New leaves will sprout in a few days.
• Transfer to soil for continued growth.

5. Romaine Lettuce

What to Save: The stem base
How to Regrow:

• Place the base in a shallow container with water (½ inch).
• Keep in bright, indirect light.
• In 7–10 days, new leaves will grow from the center.

reat for salads, wraps, and smoothie greens!

6. Cilantro (Coriander)

What to Save: Stems with roots
How to Regrow:

• Place cuttings in a glass of water near a sunny window.
• Roots will grow in a couple of weeks.
• Optional: Plant in soil for bushier growth.

7. Basil

What to Save: Stem cuttings
How to Regrow:

• Take a 4–6 inch cutting from a basil stem.
• Remove lower leaves and place in water.
• Once roots form (2–3 weeks), plant in soil.

Basil grows best indoors with plenty of sun and regular watering.

8. Garlic

What to Save: Individual cloves
How to Regrow:

• Plant each clove root-end down in soil.
• Water regularly and expose to sunlight.
• Harvest after several months for full bulbs.

Bonus: Sprouted garlic is even richer in antioxidants!

9. Ginger Root

What to Save: Pieces with visible buds
How to Regrow:

• Soak ginger pieces in water overnight.
• Plant in well-draining soil with the bud facing up.
• Keep in warm, indirect light and water lightly.

Ginger grows slowly but continuously — perfect for indoor herb gardens.

10. Carrots (for Greens Only)

What to Save: Top 1–2 inches of the carrot
How to Regrow:

• Place the top in a shallow dish of water.
• Sit in a sunny spot and mist occasionally.
• Use the leafy greens in smoothies or garnishes.

Note: Carrot roots won’t regrow, but the greens are edible and nutritious!

11. Fennel

What to Save: The bulb base
How to Regrow:

• Place the base in a bowl with a little water.
• Leave in a sunny windowsill.
• Once new growth appears, transplant into soil.

12. Kale

What to Save: Stems or leftover bunches
How to Regrow:

• Cut kale stems to about 1–2 inches.
• Place in water and position in sunlight.
• Once roots develop, plant in soil for ongoing harvests.

13. Cabbage

What to Save: The core or base
How to Regrow:

• Place the cabbage base in a shallow bowl with water.
• Provide indirect sunlight and change water daily.
• New leaves will sprout in a week or two.

For full heads, transplant into soil and give time to mature.

14. Pineapple

What to Save: The leafy crown
How to Regrow:

• Twist off the leafy top and let it dry for a few days.
• Place in water until roots form (a few weeks).
• Plant in soil and enjoy homegrown pineapple (eventually!).

Pineapple takes 18–24 months to bear fruit — patience pays off!

15. Potatoes

What to Save: Eyes or potato chunks with eyes
How to Regrow:

• Let potato chunks dry for a day or two.
• Plant in soil with eyes facing up.
• Water regularly and hill soil around stems as they grow.

Harvest baby potatoes in 10–12 weeks or wait for full-sized tubers.

How to Get Started: Tips for Beginners

Step-by-Step Regrowing Process

1. Choose healthy scraps — look for those with root nodes or buds.
2. Soak or place in water to encourage root growth.
3. Provide sunlight — most herbs and greens need 4–6 hours daily.
4. Change water regularly to prevent mold or rot.
5. Transplant to soil for long-term growth and bigger yields.

Summary Table: Vegetable Regrowth Guide

• Use filtered or spring water to avoid chlorine damage.
• Avoid overwatering — many plants prefer slightly dry soil between waterings.
• Use organic produce when possible — non-organic may be treated to prevent regrowth.
• Label your containers so you don’t forget what you’ve planted!
• Use natural fertilizers like compost tea or diluted seaweed extract.