Summary
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a bunch of leftover herbs in your fridge, wondering how to save them before they turn into a slimy mess, this guide is for you. Growing herbs from scraps is not only ridiculously easy, but it also gives you a mini herb garden for those moments when your soup recipe calls for “fresh rosemary” and you’re out. Say goodbye to wasted herbs and hello to free, fresh greens right from your window sill or balcony.
Table of Contents
- The Joy of Growing from Scraps
- Why Use Herbs?
- A Relatable Herb Crisis
- Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Herbs from Scraps
- Tips for Success
- Other Plants You Can Grow from Scraps
The Joy of Growing from Scraps
One of my favorite things to do is grow food from scraps. A lot of times, we live under this illusion that we need to go out and buy seeds or plants to grow our own food. But the truth is, you can grow your own food from the produce you already have in your kitchen.
Now, a word of caution: grocery store produce often isn’t locally grown and might not be acclimated to your climate. Growing your own food is much easier and less stressful when you consider your grow zone and what thrives in it. (Pro tip: check out my blog about grow zones here). That said, you can absolutely use store-bought produce to get started. Just keep in mind that the results may vary.
For this guide, we’re focusing on herbs, which are perfect for growing indoors and adapt well to most climates. Plus, they’re a staple for cooking, and even the organic ones are affordable.
Why Use Herbs?
Herbs are versatile, easy to grow, and super useful. Whether you’re making soups, pasta, or a fancy garnish to impress your dinner guests (I know you like to be bougie!), having fresh herbs at your disposal is a game-changer. And the best part? Growing them from scraps is practically foolproof.
A Relatable Herb Crisis
Here’s the scenario:
It’s a bit chilly outside, and you’re in the mood for a heartwarming pumpkin soup. After scouring the internet, you find a recipe that sounds delicious and easy to make. But there’s a problem—it calls for fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano, none of which you have.
You head to the grocery store, grab some fresh herbs, and make the soup. It’s amazing, of course. But now you’ve got leftover herbs sitting in your fridge. Thanksgiving week is coming up, but you’ll be out of town, and the herbs will spoil. What do you do?
Simple: turn those extra herb cuttings into a thriving herb garden. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Herbs from Scraps
What You’ll Need
- A jar or cup
- Water (enough to fill the jar)
- Herb cuttings
- A sunny windowsill
- Organic potting soil (for planting later)
Steps
- Fill a jar with water: Use a clean jar or cup and fill it with water, leaving some space at the top.
- Prep your herbs: Take your leftover herb cuttings out of the fridge. Make a diagonal cut just below the lowest set of leaves on each stem.
- Remove the lower leaves: Strip off the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. This prevents rotting in the water and encourages root growth.
- Place in water: Put the cuttings in the jar, making sure the water covers the bare stem but doesn’t touch any leaves.
- Find a sunny spot: Place the jar on a windowsill or somewhere it can get plenty of indirect sunlight.
- Change the water regularly: Replace the water every few days to keep it fresh and avoid bacteria buildup.
- Wait for roots to grow: In about two weeks, you should see roots forming. Once the roots are at least an inch long, it’s time to plant.
- Plant in soil: Transfer the rooted cuttings into a container filled with organic potting soil. Herbs like oregano, rosemary, and thyme can share the same container since they have similar needs.
- Enjoy your fresh herbs: Snip what you need for cooking, and your garden will keep growing.
Tips for Success
- Use organic potting soil for the best results.
- Herbs love sunlight, so make sure they’re in a bright spot.
- Water your herbs regularly, but avoid overwatering—let the soil dry slightly between watering.
Other Plants You Can Grow from Scraps
Herbs aren’t the only plants you can grow from scraps. Green onions, for example, don’t even need all these steps. Just keep the root ends, stick them in water or soil, and watch them grow. Easy peasy.
If you want to learn more about growing your own food, check out these posts:
Happy growing!
