Josh Elledge - Chief Executive Angel
Spring is in the air and we can't help but look forward to a new growing season and fresh produce right from the garden. But, don't run out and buy your garden seeds just yet. Instead, get some garden going right from your own kitchen. There are several plants that you can start straight from scraps and, best of all, these are FREE, after your initial purchase of course!
If you've ever reached for a potato from your pantry and seen fresh shoots sprouting, the time is right for you to propagate a new crop of potatoes instead of throwing out what you deem unusable. Cut that potato into pieces, making sure each piece has ‘eyes' and place them in water. Once the sprouts are established, plant them in damp soil to begin your own crop of potatoes.
Do you toss out the root end of a green onion or scallion? Again, place the root into a glass and add water. Leave the cut end above the water and set it on your windowsill. Change the water weekly and fresh green shoots will continue to grow. Snip the tops for an endless supply of this cooking staple.
Romaine lettuce is a favorite at our house. Just like the green onion, you'll want to put about an inch or two of the stalk into a bowl of water with the roots down. Make sure you don't submerge the whole plant then set it in a sunny window. Spritz the top with water each week (or as needed) to keep the top from drying out. In about 7-10 days, it should be ready for you to plant in soil. Leave the top leaves above ground and be sure to keep it watered for at least the first week.
Celery, cabbage, avocados, garlic and ginger are also easily started with a little water, sunshine and know-how. Use these easy-to-follow instructions from HGTV and get your garden growing!
