Before you toss those food scraps into the bin, take a second look—because many of them are actually the start of your next harvest. From celery bottoms to sweet potato ends, some of the most common kitchen discards can regrow into fresh, edible plants with very little effort. It’s like having a garden that starts right on your cutting board.
The secret? Many vegetables, herbs, and even fruits carry all the energy and structure they need to start sprouting again—especially when given a bit of water, light, and patience. Whether you’re growing on a sunny windowsill or a small balcony, these kitchen scrap plants are perfect for beginner gardeners, urban growers, or anyone looking to stretch their groceries a little further.
In this list of 17 surprisingly regenerative foods, you’ll find everyday items that can turn into thriving plants, even if you don’t have a green thumb. Not only is it fun to watch them grow—it’s also sustainable, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying to eat what you once considered waste.
Green Onions
Chop the green tops off? Save the white base and roots! Place them in a glass of water, and watch as they regrow. In a matter of days, you’ll have fresh green onions ready for garnishing your favorite dishes.
Garlic Sprouts
That pesky sprout in your garlic isn’t a nuisance—it’s a potential plant! Let the clove sprout, then plant it in soil. Before long, you’ll have fresh garlic to spice up your culinary creations.
Potato Eyes
Ever noticed those odd-looking eyes on your potatoes? They’re your ticket to growing new plants. Cut the potato into pieces with at least one eye each, plant them, and soon you’ll have a potato bounty.
Lettuce Stubs
Before tossing those lettuce stubs, think twice. Place the base in a bowl with a little water and witness the leaves regrowing. It’s like having an endless salad bar at home.
Celery Bases
Don’t discard the base of your celery! Instead, place it in water and let it sprout new stalks. It’s a simple way to keep a constant supply of fresh celery on hand.
Carrot Tops
Carrot tops can do more than garnish; they can grow! Plant the tops in soil and enjoy the lush greenery or use them in homemade vegetable stock.
Ginger Roots
That knob of ginger in your fridge can become your next plant. Plant it slightly submerged in soil, and soon you’ll have fresh ginger for teas and dishes.
Pineapple Tops
Pineapple lovers rejoice! The crown of your pineapple can be rooted in soil to grow a whole new plant. It’s a slow process, but worth the wait.
Avocado Pits
That slippery avocado pit can be the start of a beautiful plant. Suspend it over water and watch as roots and a sprout emerge. Eventually, it might even bear avocados!
Lemon Seeds
Tiny lemon seeds hold the potential for a citrusy future. Plant them in soil, and with patience, you’ll have your own lemon tree. Imagine fresh lemons for your water or recipes!
Apple Seeds
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, and its seeds can grow a tree! Plant them in soil, and nurture your way to a potential apple orchard right at home.
Basil Stems
Basil stems left over from cooking can be more than compost. Place them in water, and they’ll root, allowing you to plant them for a never-ending herb supply.
Mint Sprigs
Mint sprigs can easily grow roots when placed in water. Once rooted, plant them in soil for a refreshing herb garden that keeps on giving.
Cilantro Stems
Cilantro stems are more than waste; they’re future plants. Allow them to root in water, then transfer to soil. You’ll have fresh cilantro to enhance your dishes in no time.
Sweet Potato Slips
Sweet potatoes can do more than satisfy cravings; they sprout slips that grow into new plants. Plant these slips, and enjoy a harvest of sweet potatoes later.
Tomato Seeds
Tomato seeds don’t need to be tossed after slicing. Plant them, and they could develop into fruit-bearing plants, providing fresh tomatoes for your kitchen.
Fennel Bases
Fennel’s base can regrow when placed in water. Before you know it, you’ll have aromatic fennel to flavor your meals, fresh from your home garden.