17 Easy Ways to Regrow Herbs from Kitchen Scraps

Introduction

Imagine never having to buy herbs again! Regrowing herbs from scraps is not only an eco-friendly practice but also a rewarding hobby that can save you money. Did you know that many common kitchen herbs can easily be regrown from leftover scraps? Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, these simple methods will help you turn your kitchen waste into a lush, fresh supply of herbs. Dive in, and discover how you can transform your cooking and living space with minimal effort!

1. Regrow Basil from Stem Cuttings

To regrow basil, simply snip a few healthy stems just above a leaf node. Place them in a glass of water on a sunny windowsill. Change the water every few days, and you'll see roots sprouting in about a week. Once the roots are a couple of inches long, plant the stems in a pot filled with soil. Basil loves sunlight, so make sure your plant gets plenty of it. Before you know it, you'll have a fresh supply of basil for all your culinary creations!

2. Propagate Mint in a Jar

Mint is one of the easiest herbs to regrow from scraps. Take a few sprigs with at least a few leaves on them and place them in a jar of water. Position the jar on a sunny windowsill. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. In about a week, you'll notice roots developing. Once these roots are sturdy enough, transplant the sprigs into a pot with soil. Mint grows vigorously, so you’ll have an abundant supply in no time!

3. Grow Cilantro from Cuttings

Start by snipping cilantro stems about 4-6 inches long. Place these cuttings in a small vase with water, ensuring only the stems are submerged. Place the vase in a sunny spot and refresh the water regularly. In a few days, roots will emerge. Once established, transplant the cilantro into soil-filled pots. Cilantro prefers cooler climates, so keep your plant in indirect sunlight. Enjoy its fresh flavor in salads and salsas!

4. Revive Green Onions in Water

Don't toss those leftover green onion roots! Place them in a glass with enough water to cover the roots, and place it on a sunny windowsill. In just a few days, you'll notice new shoots sprouting. Snip what you need, and they will regrow continuously. Green onions are ideal for garnishing dishes or adding a mild onion flavor to your meals. Keep the water fresh by changing it weekly.

5. Regenerate Garlic from Cloves

Garlic can be regrown from individual cloves. Select a healthy clove and plant it pointy side up in a small pot with soil. Place the pot in a sunny location. Water it lightly, and you'll soon see green shoots emerge. These can be used in cooking, much like chives. Over time, the clove will develop into a new bulb. This method ensures you always have fresh garlic at hand!

6. Resurrect Rosemary from Cuttings

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that regrows easily from cuttings. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from a healthy rosemary plant and strip the leaves from the lower half. Place the cuttings in water, ensuring the leaves don't touch the water. Once roots form, plant them in a pot with well-draining soil. Rosemary requires plenty of sunlight and minimal water. Enjoy its aromatic addition to your culinary dishes.

7. Multiply Thyme with Simple Steps

Thyme can be effortlessly regrown from cuttings. Cut a few healthy sprigs and remove the leaves from the lower sections. Place these in water on a sunny windowsill. Within a few weeks, roots will form. Transplant the cuttings into a pot with soil. Thyme prefers a sunny, warm spot and well-drained soil. This versatile herb will enhance the flavor of your savory dishes with ease.

8. Revitalize Parsley from Stems

Regrowing parsley is straightforward. Take stem cuttings and place them in a jar of water, ensuring only the stems are submerged. Keep the jar in a bright spot. Roots will begin to appear in a few days. Once they are strong, plant them into a soil-filled pot. Parsley does well in partial sunlight and moist soil. It's an excellent garnish for a wide range of dishes.

9. Refresh Chives with Regrowth

Chives are a kitchen staple that regrows quickly. Cut the chives down to a couple of inches above the root base and place the roots in a glass of water. Position the glass on a sunny windowsill. The chives will regrow in just a few days, providing a constant supply for your salads and dishes. Refresh the water periodically to maintain growth.

10. Rejuvenate Sage from Cuttings

Sage is another herb that thrives from scraps. Take cuttings from a healthy plant and remove the leaves from the bottom half. Insert the cuttings into a pot with well-draining soil. Sage likes a sunny spot and requires minimal watering. This herb's robust flavor is perfect for seasoning meats and stuffing, making it a valuable addition to your kitchen garden.

11. Cultivate Oregano from Stems

Oregano can be propagated easily from stem cuttings. Select a few healthy stems, strip the lower leaves, and place them in water. Once roots form, transfer them to a pot with soil. Oregano prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Its bold flavor is a staple in Mediterranean dishes, making it a must-have in your herb collection.

12. Grow Lemongrass from Stalks

Regrowing lemongrass is a breeze. Place the stalks in a vase with water, ensuring the base is submerged. Keep it in a sunny spot and change the water frequently. Once roots appear, plant the lemongrass in a pot with soil. It thrives in sunlight and adds a citrusy flavor to soups and teas. Lemongrass is a fantastic herb for those who love Asian cuisine.

13. Replant Fenugreek from Seeds

Fenugreek seeds can be regrown into fresh herbs. Soak the seeds overnight, then plant them in a pot with soil. Keep the pot in a sunny location and water moderately. In a few days, you'll see sprouts emerging. Fenugreek leaves are commonly used in Indian cooking, providing a distinct flavor and aroma to your dishes.

14. Revive Fennel from Bulbs

Fennel can be regrown from its bulb. Place the bulb in a shallow dish with water, ensuring the base is submerged. Position it in a sunny spot. Once roots develop, replant the bulb in soil. Fennel prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Its licorice-like flavor is a wonderful addition to salads and stews.

15. Grow Dill from Feathery Fronds

Dill can be regrown from its feathery fronds. Snip a few fronds and place them in water. Once roots appear, plant them in soil. Dill thrives in sunny areas and requires regular watering. This herb is perfect for flavoring fish dishes and pickles, providing a fresh, aromatic touch to your meals.

16. Regrow Tarragon from Cuttings

Tarragon is a flavorful herb that can be regrown from cuttings. Take cuttings from a healthy plant and place them in water. Once roots form, transfer them to a pot with soil. Tarragon loves sunlight and requires minimal watering. Its unique anise flavor enhances a variety of dishes, from chicken to salad dressings.

17. Sprout Mustard Greens from Seeds

Mustard greens are easy to grow from seeds. Sprinkle the seeds in a pot with soil, cover lightly, and water gently. Place the pot in a sunny location. In a few days, you'll see sprouts emerging. Mustard greens have a peppery flavor and are great in salads and sandwiches.

Final Thoughts

Regrowing herbs from scraps is a sustainable practice that not only saves money but also reduces waste. With just a little effort, you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh herbs right from your kitchen. Embrace the green-thumb lifestyle and experiment with these easy methods. Whether you're a cooking enthusiast or an eco-conscious individual, regrowing herbs is a rewarding journey that adds freshness and flavor to your life. So, start today and watch your kitchen transform into a thriving herb garden!