Regrow Vegetables and Cultivate Plants Indoors

There’s something quietly satisfying about watching kitchen scraps sprout back to life. I don’t know about you, but chucking out the ends of spring onions or celery feels like tossing little bundles of potential into the bin.

So instead, I started a wee experiment on my windowsill—just to see what would happen. Spoiler: it actually works. And now I’m hooked.

It all began with a sad little lettuce stump. I stuck it in a shallow bowl of water, shoved it near the window, and within days—boom—new leaves. That’s when the lightbulb went off.

If one veggie could make a comeback, what else could I bring back to life indoors?

Windowsills, Countertops, and That One Random Spot That Gets All the Sun

Most regrowing adventures start with a splash of water and a bit of sun.

A bright windowsill is prime real estate in my house now—especially the north-facing one that seems to catch every last drop of afternoon light (well, when Auckland weather cooperates).

You’ll want somewhere that’s warm-ish, gets at least a bit of indirect sun, and doesn’t get blasted by cold air every time someone opens the fridge.

Some plants like a cosy jar of water—spring onions, leeks, basil—while others will eventually need potting up. I’ve got jars, tins, even old coffee mugs doing the job.

It’s not fancy, but it works. One of my mates even uses old wine bottles cut in half (which, let’s be honest, is very on-brand for her).

And it’s not just herbs. You’d be surprised at how many full-on veggies can be grown inside if you give them half a chance. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and chard? Easy. Radishes and baby carrots?

Totally doable in deep pots. Even cherry tomatoes, if you’ve got a sunny enough spot and a bit of patience.

Turning Scraps into Soil Legends

Once those roots start showing off, you’ve got a choice—keep ‘em in water for fun, or pot them up and go full-on plant parent.

I lean toward the latter. Watching something grow in proper soil just feels more… I dunno, grounded.

Celery and bok choy especially do well when you transplant them into a pot with decent drainage and soil that stays moist but not soggy. Nothing fancy—just your basic potting mix from Mitre 10 does the trick. Maybe with a little compost if you’ve got some.

Other scraps you can regrow? Garlic cloves (they’ll sprout and grow new bulbs if you give ‘em time), ginger roots (though they’re slow as molasses), and even potatoes if you’ve got a sprouted one lying around.

Just cut it into chunks with an “eye” each and bury them in a deep pot of soil. Boom—homegrown spuds.

Little Gardens in Big Cities (or Small Flats)

You don’t need a backyard or even a balcony to make this work. I’ve got a mate in an apartment up on the 10th floor and she’s growing chillies, mint, and green onions in her kitchen.

All it takes is a bit of creativity and the right containers.

Use stackable planters if you’re short on space. Hanging baskets if you’re feeling adventurous.

Even shoeboxes if you line them properly—although they’re not the prettiest. You can mix it up with decorative pots if aesthetics are your jam.

You can also grow:

• Peas – they love cooler temps, and the shoots taste amazing in stir-fries.
• Bush beans – not as needy as full climbers, and great in big indoor tubs.
• Cucumbers – pick a dwarf variety and let it climb near a bright window.
• Beet greens – you can grow them just for the tops if space is tight.

And Don’t Forget the Houseplants

Once you start regrowing edibles, it’s a slippery slope into leafy green houseplant obsession.

Trust me, I’ve been there. A peace lily here, a pothos there, next thing you know you’re naming them and talking to them when no one’s around.

But honestly, they help with the vibe. That soft jungle energy makes a place feel alive. Plus, some indoor plants actually help purify the air. Win-win.

Mistakes, Mishaps, and Miracles

Not every attempt is gonna be a success. I tried regrowing garlic once and ended up with a weird sprouted bulb that smelled like feet. Carrots gave me nothing but frilly green tops (which are edible but not thrilling).

But then a pineapple top sprouted and now I’ve got this spiky little crown that looks majestic and ridiculous all at once.

That’s the fun of it, though. You try, you fail, you laugh, and you move on to the next bit of greenery.

If you’re on the fence about starting an indoor veggie garden or giving regrowth a crack—just do it.

Doesn’t matter if it’s just one old garlic clove or a sprouting spud. You don’t need a green thumb. You just need a window, some scraps, and a bit of patience.

And maybe a spray bottle. Trust me on that one.