13 Foods You Can Buy Once & Regrow Forever

Growing your own food doesn’t require a massive garden or a green thumb. Many everyday kitchen scraps can be regrown indefinitely, providing fresh, organic produce without constant trips to the grocery store.

Not only does this save money, but it also reduces food waste and ensures a continuous supply of fresh ingredients.

Here’s a list of 13 foods you can buy once and regrow forever, along with tips on how to keep them thriving.

1. Green Onions

Why Regrow?

Green onions are one of the easiest vegetables to regrow. They require minimal space and effort, making them perfect for small kitchens.

How to Regrow:

1. Place the white root ends of green onions in a glass of water.
2. Change the water every 2-3 days.
3. Within a week, you’ll see fresh green shoots growing back.
4. Trim as needed and continue growing indefinitely.

💡 Tip: Once they establish strong roots, transfer them into soil for long-term growth.

2. Lettuce

Why Regrow?

Lettuce grows quickly and provides an ongoing source of fresh, crisp leaves for salads and sandwiches.

How to Regrow:

1. Cut the leaves from a store-bought lettuce head, leaving about 2 inches of the base intact.
2. Place the base in a shallow bowl with water.
3. Change the water every 1-2 days.
4. In 5-7 days, small leaves will start sprouting.
5. Transfer to soil for a more robust regrowth.

💡 Tip: Keep in partial sunlight for best results.

3. Celery

Why Regrow?

Celery regenerates quickly, and you can continuously harvest new stalks.

How to Regrow:

1. Cut off the celery stalks, leaving about 2 inches of the base.
2. Place the base in a bowl of warm water.
3. Change the water daily and keep in a sunny spot.
4. After one week, transfer to soil.
5. Water regularly to maintain moisture.

💡 Tip: Celery prefers cooler temperatures for optimal growth.

4. Garlic

Why Regrow?

Garlic cloves can grow into whole bulbs, providing a never-ending supply.

How to Regrow:

1. Take a single garlic clove and plant it in soil with the pointed end facing up.
2. Water lightly but consistently.
3. Shoots will appear in 7-10 days.
4. Allow it to grow for a few months until a full bulb forms.

💡 Tip: Use the garlic greens as an additional edible part.

5. Ginger

Why Regrow?

Ginger is packed with nutrients and can be continuously harvested year-round.

How to Regrow:

1. Take a fresh ginger root and bury it 2 inches deep in moist soil.
2. Keep in warm, indirect light.
3. In 2-3 weeks, you’ll see green shoots emerging.
4. After 4-5 months, start harvesting small sections.

💡 Tip: Break off only what you need; the root will keep growing!

6. Potatoes

Why Regrow?

Potatoes are easy to grow and can be harvested multiple times a year.

How to Regrow:

1. Cut a potato into sections, ensuring each has at least one “eye” (sprout).
2. Let the pieces dry for 24-48 hours.
3. Plant them in soil 4 inches deep.
4. Water regularly and harvest in 10-12 weeks.

💡 Tip: Use organic potatoes, as conventional ones may be treated to prevent sprouting.

7. Sweet Potatoes

Why Regrow?

Sweet potatoes grow abundantly and are packed with nutrients.

How to Regrow:

1. Cut a sweet potato in half and submerge it partially in water.
2. Wait for sprouts (slips) to grow.
3. Remove the slips and plant them in soil.
4. Water frequently and harvest in 4-5 months.

💡 Tip: Keep soil warm and loose to allow tubers to develop properly.

8. Carrots (Greens Only)

Why Regrow?

Carrot tops can be used in salads and for making pesto.

How to Regrow:

1. Cut off the carrot tops, leaving about 1 inch.
2. Place them in a shallow dish with water.
3. Change the water every 2 days.
4. Green leaves will sprout in a few days.

💡 Tip: For full carrots, plant seeds instead of regrowing scraps.

9. Basil

Why Regrow?

Basil is one of the easiest herbs to propagate.

How to Regrow:

1. Take a 4-inch cutting from a basil stem.
2. Place it in water and change the water every other day.
3. Once roots develop, plant in soil.

💡 Tip: Keep pruning to encourage bushy growth.

10. Onions

Why Regrow?

Onions regrow from scraps and can be harvested multiple times.

How to Regrow:

1. Save the bottom of an onion bulb.
2. Place it in water until roots appear.
3. Transplant into soil and let it grow.

💡 Tip: Onions need full sunlight to thrive.

11. Lemongrass

Why Regrow?

Lemongrass grows fast and is perfect for teas and soups.

How to Regrow:

1. Place the base of lemongrass in water.
2. Once roots develop, plant in soil.

💡 Tip: Trim frequently for better yield.

12. Pineapple

Why Regrow?

Pineapple takes time to grow, but it’s worth the effort.

How to Regrow:

1. Cut the top of a pineapple.
2. Let it dry for 2 days.
3. Plant in soil and water sparingly.

💡 Tip: Keep in a warm, sunny location for best growth.

13. Peppers

Why Regrow?

Peppers produce continuously once established.

How to Regrow:

1. Save pepper seeds from fresh peppers.
2. Dry them and plant in soil.
3. Water moderately and keep in warm temperatures.

💡 Tip: Grow different varieties for a year-round supply.

Regrowing food from scraps is easy, sustainable, and cost-effective. With minimal effort, you can create a never-ending supply of fresh produce at home.

Start small with herbs like basil and green onions, then expand to heartier options like potatoes and pineapple.