I really do wish I could have a garden, but alas-I don't have much of a green thumb. I do try to purchase local produce as often as I can, but sometimes going to the store is the only option. Produce is typically what takes up so much of our grocery bill so trying to stretch that budget out can sometimes be a challenge. That's where a bit of research comes in!
I had heard a while back about re-growing vegetables indoors. Sounded simple enough, so after looking up some techniques-I gave it a try.
Green onions were my first experiment. SUCCESS! It's so easy I could squeal! Just use up your green onions to the white bulbs, then place them in a jar with water (enough to cover the bulb) on a window sill. That's it! You'll forever have green onions, as long as you keep fresh water in it! I was amazed at this, so I decided to check out some other ways to stretch those veggies.
Celery and Bok Choy can be re-grown the same way. Just place the end nub in a bowl of water. Once it begins to grow roots/leaves (about 7-10 days) plant in soil.
Pineapple is pretty simple as well. Cut off the top green part with about 1 inch of fruit still attached. Place the fruit end in soil at water. This of course typically works best in warmer climates, that aren't prone to harsh winters.
By taking one clove from your garlic bulb and placing it in soil, you can produce another full bulb! This too works with shallots!
This new found love of re-growing vegetables indoors is seriously addicting. I love knowing that I can save a few dollars each trip by 're-using" what I already have!
*Don't forget about those seeds either! Pumpkin seeds are GREAT to plant and get a great harvest!
Find other great ways to save money on Little House Living!
Have you ever re-grown any veggies or fruits? Which ones?
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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Pineapple?! WOW – this I have to try!
I know right? It’s pretty crazy!
growing pineapple from cut off top work…I have done it 3 times
Really? Good to know it works well!
I tried re-growing celery. Didn’t work very well. It was really bitter. Turns out celery has to be blanched (repeated covering with dirt) while growing to prevent it from getting bitter.
I hadn’t heard about that. Thanks for sharing!
I am trying romaine lettuce right now. I saw it on pinterest and was a little curious. Great post!
I’d love to know how it goes!
I subscribe to your blog via email, I saw this article and was very excited to learn this. I live in a highrise, can’t wait to give it a go, thanks so much!
Ahhh! This would be perfect for you! Let us know how your adventure goes!
You mentioned pineapple needs to be done in warmer climates. I thought all of these were done inside, so I am unclear why it matters where you live. I am reading this right, or are these meant to be put outside?
Sorry, I should have been more clear! The ones where you put in soil, you can also put outside. With the pineapple, if planting outside, it would be best to be in a climate that doesn’t get too cold.
I have a question please… If I cut the onions all the way to the white bulb leaving maybe 1/4 left with the roots, will this work? and what will grow out of that green or white again? Just wondering…thanks so much for yor site!
Rose
They will be green! Sounds crazy I know, but it seriously works! The picture above is my set that had been clipped about 3-4 times already!
I grow all of these indoors. My onions have lasted forever with weekly trimmings to garnish meals. I blanch my bok Choy, celery and leeks by adding dirt to the pots as they grow. I also have pineapple, but that’s more of an experiment for the kids because it will take years to fruit. We’ve gotten a half dozen new pineapple leaves in the last six months; it is grown near the heater and gets plenty of water. I also keep an herb garden on the hearth of my fireplace, where it gets ample sunlight. You can also cut of the bottom of regular onion and place the roots in water for a week. Replant it in dirt and onions will grow.
fun stuff, will be trying some. Look forward to newsletter.