How to Grow from Scraps Indoors
Don’t toss your kitchen scraps—grow new food from them indoors! Whether you live in an apartment or want a fun project for your kitchen windowsill, indoor scrap gardening is easy, eco-friendly, and rewarding.
For best results, pair your indoor scraps with organic nutrition. Learn how to make fertilizer from vegetable peels for a natural boost.
Best Kitchen Scraps to Grow Indoors
- Green onions: Regrow from white bulbs in water or soil on a sunny windowsill.
- Lettuce: Grow fresh leaves from leftover base in a small dish of water.
- Carrot tops: Regrow greens for salads or garnishes from scraps in shallow water.
- Garlic sprouts: Plant a clove in a small pot for fresh green shoots.
- Basil and mint: Grow from cuttings in water, then pot when roots develop.
- Celery: Place base in water and enjoy new stalks in weeks.
Step-by-Step Indoor Growing Method
- Choose a clean container or small pot with good drainage.
- Use a high-quality potting mix or nutrient-rich compost.
- Insert your scrap (base, stem, or clove) gently into the soil or water.
- Place near a bright window with indirect sunlight.
- Water lightly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
- Harvest new growth once it’s strong enough!
Tips for Success
- Use clear glass containers for water propagation to monitor roots.
- Turn your plants every few days for even sunlight.
- Feed plants with diluted vegetable peel fertilizer weekly.
- Keep herbs like basil and mint pruned to encourage branching.
Indoor Gardening Essentials
To maximize indoor scrap growth, the right tools make a big difference. From mini watering cans to LED grow lights, visit our best gardening tools page for everything you need to get started.
Why Grow Indoors from Scraps?
- Reduce food waste in your kitchen
- Save money on store-bought herbs and veggies
- Create a mini-garden right on your windowsill
- Teach kids about sustainability and plant life
Conclusion
Growing food from scraps indoors is simple, sustainable, and satisfying. With a few tools and a sunny spot, you can regrow herbs, greens, and more—right from your countertop. Start with what you have, and turn waste into growth.
