Regrowing celery from kitchen scraps is a simple and rewarding way to enjoy fresh produce without needing a garden. With just a leftover celery base, some water, and a bit of sunlight, you can grow new stalks right at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you regrow celery indoors, making the most of your kitchen scraps.
1. Prepare the Celery Base
Start by cutting the bottom 2-3 inches off a bunch of celery. This is the part that often gets discarded, but it holds the key to regrowing a new plant. Make sure the cut is clean and even to promote healthy regrowth.
2. Place in Water
Find a shallow bowl and fill it with about half an inch of water. Place the celery base, cut side up, into the bowl. Make sure the bottom of the celery is submerged, but the top remains exposed to air. Put the bowl in a sunny spot, like a windowsill that gets plenty of indirect light.
3. Monitor and Change the Water
To keep your celery fresh and healthy, change the water every two days. This prevents mold and bacteria from forming. Within a few days, you’ll begin to notice small green shoots emerging from the center of the celery base, along with tiny roots forming at the bottom.
4. Transfer to Soil for Strong Growth (Optional)
Once the celery has sprouted leaves and roots, which usually takes about a week, you can transfer it to a pot with soil if you want to promote sturdier growth. Select a pot with drainage holes, and fill it with nutrient-rich potting soil. Plant the celery base so the leaves are above the soil, while the root end is fully covered. Water thoroughly to settle the soil.
5. Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Whether you keep your celery in water or transfer it to soil, place it in a bright location. If potted, water it regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Celery prefers indirect sunlight, so a sunny windowsill or balcony is ideal. If kept in water, continue changing the water every couple of days.
6. Harvesting Your Celery
In about 3-4 weeks, you should see substantial growth, with several new stalks forming. Harvest the celery as needed by cutting off individual stalks, allowing the plant to continue growing. The more you harvest, the more new growth you’ll encourage, giving you a continuous supply of fresh celery.
Tips for Regrowing Celery Successfully:
- Sunlight: Celery thrives in bright, indirect light. Be sure your growing area gets plenty of natural sunlight.
- Avoid Overwatering: If growing in soil, ensure the pot has drainage to prevent water from accumulating, which can cause root rot.
- Fertilize Occasionally: If your celery is planted in soil, you can feed it a diluted liquid fertilizer every few weeks to support healthy growth.
Conclusion
Regrowing celery at home is a fun, eco-friendly project that reduces waste while providing fresh, home-grown produce. Whether you keep it growing in water or transfer it to soil for more robust growth, this easy process lets you enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own celery—right from your kitchen window!