Did you know that some of the plants sitting in your kitchen can grow into fresh, new produce with a little care and patience? Growing your own food from store-bought ingredients is not only sustainable but also incredibly satisfying. I’ve put together a small list of foods I’ve successfully grown, but I’m still experimenting with others—stay tuned for updates!

1. Ginger

Ginger is one of the easiest plants to grow at home. Start with an organic ginger root, and look for one with small buds or “eyes” (similar to those on potatoes).

• How to grow: Soak the ginger in water overnight, then plant it in a pot with moist soil, ensuring the buds face upwards.
• Care tips: Place the pot in indirect sunlight and keep the soil slightly damp. Ginger takes time, but within a few weeks, you’ll see sprouts!

2. Garlic

Garlic cloves are a classic kitchen ingredient that can easily be regrown. Organic garlic is best, as non-organic varieties are often treated to prevent sprouting.

• How to grow: Separate a garlic bulb into individual cloves. Plant each clove root-side down in a pot or garden bed with loose, well-draining soil.
• Care tips: Place the garlic in a sunny spot and water sparingly to avoid rotting. You’ll start seeing green shoots in no time, and eventually, the cloves will grow into new bulbs.

3. Onion

Onions are surprisingly easy to regrow from scraps.

• How to grow: Cut off the bottom part of an onion (where the roots are), leaving about an inch of onion attached. Let it dry for a day or two, then plant it root-side down in soil.
• Care tips: Keep the soil moist and give the onion plenty of sunlight. Soon, it will sprout new growth and develop into a fresh onion!

4. Spring Onions

Spring onions are my favorite to regrow because they grow quickly and don’t require much effort.

• How to grow: Save the white part of a spring onion with its roots intact. Place it in a glass of water, ensuring the roots are submerged, and leave it on a sunny windowsill.
• Care tips: Change the water every few days, and within a week, you’ll see green shoots growing back. You can also plant them in soil for a longer harvest.

Important notes on store bought food

When regrowing store-bought plants, I recommend choosing organic produce as this makes a big difference. Organic ginger, garlic, onions, and spring onions are less likely to be treated with chemicals that prevent sprouting. They’re also safer for you to grow and consume, making your home garden healthier and more sustainable.

Final Tips

• Start small and experiment with different produce to see what works best for your space.
• Use pots with drainage holes and nutrient-rich soil to encourage healthy growth.
• Be patient—regrowing plants can take time, but it’s a rewarding process!

Let me know about your own growing journey! There’s nothing better than cooking with ingredients you’ve grown yourself. Give it a try, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can grow right at home!

4o