Regrowing, understanding this concept
The English term “regrowing” which can literally be translated by the French verbs “to regrow, to regenerate” defines a so-called “low-tech” cultivation technique which comes straight from the United States. If it is qualified as a low-tech technique, it is because, in its implementation, Sustainable developmentusefulness for all and accessibility to all, and that it aims to give a second life to our plant waste to save and buy less.
Yes, once the vegetables and fruits are peeled and sorted, the goal is to grow new plants from cores, peelings, tops, etc. As in the case of cuttings where you multiply a plant to have several, regrowing is a kind of vegetative propagation, without sexual reproduction, but, this time, from waste intended for the trash.
It is therefore a solution which is part of a zero waste trend, which makes it possible to limit waste and move towards food autonomy, without forgetting that it is economical and fun. However, not all vegetables can lend themselves to this trend. Indeed, if you try to regrow a carrot from the remains, you will not get a carrot, but carrot tops.
How to proceed ?
To be implemented, this technique requires only a few materials: glass pots, water and soil. Add to this that to practice regrowing, you have the choice between twenty vegetables which lends itself to this technique, you will therefore need a mother plant. Obviously, each plant requires specific maintenance, however certain rules can be applied to all:
- The growing location must be bright and sufficiently warm. A windowsill lends itself particularly well to this type of culture.
- During the time the mother plant is in the water, it must be changed every day. Don’t worry, there’s no need to use a lot!
- When roots appear, the young plant must be planted and you will need to remember to moisten it regularly, as you would for any young plant.
Vegetables to regrow
Although some vegetables are easier to regrow than others, many lend themselves to this growing method. Here we present some of them with which you can embark on this regrowing experience.
Leek
You can use the bottom of the leek barrel to enjoy a new leek. Just put the part where the roots are in a glass of water for about a week, then plant it in the ground.
Lettuce and Chinese cabbage
After sorting your lettuce or Chinese cabbage, keep the core and place it in a glass of water. You will quickly notice the appearance of new leaves and roots. You can then put in the ground.
Basil, mint and other aromatics
Aromatic plants can be multiplied, but in this case it is a more classic cutting since it involves taking a stem and putting it in water until new roots develop. After the roots appear, simply put the plant in the ground to enjoy a new plant.
Fennel and celery
When you sort fennel or celery for cooking, save the base of the bulb and immerse it in water. This will allow you to benefit from new stems of leaves that you will simply have to cut to consume them.
Spring onions and small white onions
Spring onions and small white onions can also grow back putting the base of the onions in water. New stems can be cut for consumption.
Carrot tops
To enjoy plenty of carrot tops that you can cook into soup or pesto, simply: put the end of the carrot where the tops come from in a little water and wait until new leaves appear.
Garlic
For the garlic, regrowing takes place directly in the earth. Take a clove of garlic and plant it about 5 cm deep in a pot filled with potting soil, making sure to place it with the pointed end facing upwards. Water at least once a week. You should quickly see a stem appear. As soon as it reaches around ten centimeters, cut it by more than half. When it no longer grows, you should find a complete head of garlic in the ground.
Regrowing applied to fruits
Who has never had fun trying to revive an avocado pit or fruit seeds? It’s a form of regrowing! It is true that this technique does not allow you to obtain new fruits but rather indoor plants. One of the fruits that lends itself well to this experiment is pineapple. To do this :
- Cut off the part of the pineapple where the leaves are.
- Leave to air dry for a few days.
- Place this piece in water until its roots develop or directly in a pot by simply placing the part on potting soil. You will then get a houseplant, not a fruit.