Growing your own food is a sustainable and rewarding practice. Some edible plants can be replanted multiple times, offering a continuous supply from a single purchase. Here are eight such foods that you can buy once and enjoy for years with proper care and replanting.
1. Green Onions (Scallions)
How to Replant:
- Use the white bulbous base with roots intact.
- Place the base in a glass of water, ensuring the roots are submerged.
- Change the water every few days.
- Once new green shoots appear, transfer to soil.
Care Tips:
- Provide plenty of sunlight.
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist.
2. Garlic
How to Replant:
- Use individual cloves from a bulb.
- Plant each clove root-side down in soil, about 2 inches deep.
- Space cloves 4-6 inches apart.
Care Tips:
- Ensure well-draining soil.
- Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
3. Ginger
How to Replant:
- Use a piece of ginger rhizome with visible “eyes” or buds.
- Soak the ginger piece in water overnight.
- Plant the rhizome in soil with the buds facing up, about 1 inch deep.
Care Tips:
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Place in a warm, indirect sunlight location.
4. Lettuce
How to Replant:
- Use the bottom part of a lettuce head.
- Place the base in a shallow dish with water.
- Change the water every couple of days.
- Once new roots and leaves appear, transplant to soil.
Care Tips:
- Provide partial sunlight.
- Water regularly to maintain moist soil.
5. Celery
How to Replant:
- Use the bottom part of a celery bunch.
- Place the base in a shallow dish with water.
- Change the water every few days.
- Once new growth appears, transplant to soil.
Care Tips:
- Ensure the soil remains moist.
- Place in a sunny location.
6. Basil
How to Replant:
- Use cuttings from a basil plant, about 4 inches long.
- Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in water.
- Change the water every few days.
- Once roots develop, transplant to soil.
Care Tips:
- Provide ample sunlight.
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist.
7. Potatoes
How to Replant:
- Use a whole or cut potato with “eyes” (sprouts).
- Plant the pieces in soil, about 4 inches deep, with the eyes facing up.
- Space pieces 12 inches apart.
Care Tips:
- Hill up soil around the plants as they grow.
- Ensure the soil remains slightly moist.
8. Lemongrass
How to Replant:
- Use the stalk base with roots intact.
- Place the base in a glass of water, ensuring the roots are submerged.
- Change the water every few days.
- Once new growth appears, transplant to soil.
Care Tips:
- Provide plenty of sunlight.
- Water regularly to maintain moist soil.
Conclusion
Replanting edible foods is a sustainable way to enjoy a continuous harvest from a single purchase. By following these simple steps and care tips, you can grow your own fresh produce and contribute to a more self-sufficient lifestyle.