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Regrowing green onions from kitchen scraps is a great way to reduce waste and have fresh herbs at home. This easy gardening method saves you money and provides a sustainable source of flavour for your favourite dishes. Green onions, also known as scallions or spring onions, are versatile and can be added to salads, soups and many cuisines with their mild oniony flavour.
Regrowing green onions is simple and requires minimal resources. All you need are the leftover roots of the green onions, a glass of water and a sunny windowsill. In a few days, you will see new green shoots sprouting and ready to harvest.
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This is perfect for seasoned gardeners and beginners so it is a great way to get connected to nature in your kitchen. As you grow your green onions, you will also get the satisfaction of turning kitchen waste into a thriving edible garden.
Get Your Stuff
To regrow green onions, you will need a few things. First, collect the leftover roots of the green onions and make sure they are intact with at least 2 inches of the white bulb. Next, grab a small glass or jar to put the roots in. You will also need water; filtered or distilled would be best for optimal growth. Select a sunny windowsill or a bright spot in your kitchen to put your jar, as sunlight is key to green onions growing.
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Prep The Green Onions
Now that you have your green onion scraps trim them to 2-3 inches of the white part, including the roots. Discard any yellow or wilted leaves, as they will not let the new onions grow. Put the roots in the jar, make sure the cut ends are in the water, and the green tops are above the waterline. This way, the roots can get moisture, and the green parts will rot.
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Fill With Water
Fill the jar with water carefully so the roots are fully covered. Make sure the green tops are out of the water; too much moisture can cause them to rot. If the water level decreases over time due to evaporation, just top it up. Filtered or distilled water is best, as tap water can contain chemicals that can hinder the process.
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Find A Sunny Spot
Put the jar on a sunny windowsill or a bright countertop where it can get several hours of sunlight a day. Green onions love bright light, it helps them grow fast and healthy. If your indoor lighting is not sufficient, consider using a grow light to supplement the natural sunlight. Sunlight exposure will ensure your green onions will have vibrant green tops.
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Change The Water
To keep your green onions healthy, change the water every few days. This will prevent bacteria from building up and keep the roots fresh. Just pour out the old water, rinse the jar and fill it with fresh water. This will keep the environment optimal so that the roots can absorb the nutrients and moisture without any contamination.
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Harvest The Greens
After a week or two, you will see green shoots sprouting from the top of your green onions. They can get quite tall, up to 6-8 inches. When you think they are ready, snip off the greens with scissors, leaving an inch of the green above the water. This will encourage continuous growth, and you will be able to harvest fresh greens from the same roots multiple times.
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Replant For Continuous Growth (Optional)
If you want to take your green onion growing to the next level, you can plant them in soil once they have grown big enough in water. Choose a pot with good drainage and fill it with good potting soil. Make a small hole in the soil and plant the green onion roots about an inch deep so the greens are still above the soil. Water lightly and put the pot in a sunny spot. This will allow your green onions to develop a bigger root system, and you will get even more yields.
