Hold off on discarding those leftover bits from your meals into the trash or compost. Several food scraps can be revitalized into new plants right from your kitchen window. Reviving these leftovers is an easy trick to save some money, minimize waste, and even start a miniature garden of your own. Here’s a list of nine common kitchen scraps that you can easily regrow at home, no expertise in gardening necessary.
Want easier ways to save money? Subscribe to Citizen News Paper’s newsletter today.
Scallions
Scallions are one of the simplest plants to regrow. Just place their white roots into a glass filled with water and position it by a window. Within a few days, you will notice new shoots. Make sure to replace the water every few days and cut as needed.
More From Citizen News Paper Learn How to Start Saving Money Even on a Tight Budget
Celery
Instead of throwing away the base of the celery, place it in a shallow water-filled dish under direct sunlight. Within about a week, you’ll see fresh leaves starting to grow from the middle. When the celery is sturdy enough, it can be transferred to soil.
More From Citizen News Paper 17 Flexible Jobs That Let You Set Your Own Schedule
Looking to Save More? Start With Your Kitchen Scraps
Saving kitchen scraps for regrowing is smart, but there are even more smart saving strategies out there. From reducing interest costs to saving on car insurance, here are some of our favorite tips.
| Offer | Why We Like It | What You Need to Do | Start Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citizen News Paper Auto Insurance Tool | Potential savings of ~$500 annually | Just provide basic info | |
| AmOne | Reduce interest with a personal loan | Respond to 10 quick questions | |
| Balance Transfer Credit Cards* | Stop Interest Payments Until 2026 | Get a 0% Interest Card | |
| Upside | Save $40/month on fuel | Install this free app |
Lettuces
Lettuce varieties such as romaine, butter, or leaf can be regrown from their stems. Keep the bottom 2 inches submerged in water and within a week new leaves should start appearing. This technique is most effective with fresh, healthy scraps.
More From Citizen News Paper Discover the Best Rewards Credit Cards for 2025
Potatoes
If you find sprouting potatoes, they’re ideal for planting. Cut them into pieces ensuring each has at least one eye. Let them dry for a day before planting in soil with the eye facing upward. In a few months, you’ll be ready to harvest your own potatoes.
More From Citizen News Paper 8 Smart Shopping Tactics to Fight Inflation at the Grocery Store
Garlic
Garlic cloves with green shoots are primed for planting. Put a sprouting clove root-side down in a small pot with soil. Place it where it will get plenty of sunlight and water it minimally. Before long, it will develop into a new garlic bulb, sparing you a grocery trip.
More From Citizen News Paper Top Checking Accounts to Consider This Month
Basil
If you have basil stems left over, you can regrow them. Submerge a 4-inch stem in water, first removing any leaves near the base. Roots will form within about a week, after which you should plant it in soil. With some basic care, you’ll soon have a thriving basil plant.
More From Citizen News Paper Smart Money Moves If Your Checking Account Exceeds $1,000
Carrot Greens
While you can’t grow whole carrots from just the tops, you can cultivate carrot greens. Place the tops in a shallow water dish and they will begin to sprout in a few days. These greens are excellent for adding to dishes as garnishes or blending into pesto and smoothies.
More From Citizen News Paper Best Cash Back Credit Cards for Earning While You Spend in 2025
Pineapple
Indeed, even a pineapple can be regrown from its top. Twist off the crown, strip the lower leaves, and allow it to dry for a couple of days. Plant it in soil and place it in a location that receives ample sunshine. Growing a pineapple requires patience—it might take up to two years—but the process is quite rewarding.
More From Citizen News Paper Legitimate Games That Pay Real Money in 2025
Ginger
To regrow ginger, plant a piece of the root with the buds pointing upward in soil. Maintain a moist and warm environment, and soon you’ll notice new shoots and roots forming. Although ginger takes time to grow, the outcome is both rewarding and flavorful.
More From Citizen News Paper Free Stuff for Expecting Mothers in 2025 (38 Offers)

My name is Ethan and I am a passionate journalist at Sherburne County Citizen. With a keen eye for celebrity news, I bring you the latest updates and insider scoops on your favorite stars. One of my favorite moments in the newsroom was when we uncovered a wild story about a local politician’s secret rendezvous, shaking up the whole town’s political scene.As a valuable member of the Sherburne County Citizen team, I am dedicated to keeping you informed about major economic trends and providing practical tips for your home. Whether it’s investment advice or DIY hacks, I strive to equip you with everything you need for a successful and fulfilling daily life. Join me on this exciting journey as we uncover stories that shape our community and beyond.
