Scrap Happy: Turn Food Scraps into Greens

Athena Sprague

 

IF YOU’RE LIKE MOST PEOPLE, KITCHEN SCRAPS GET TOSSED IN THE GARBAGE OR COMPOST. Did you know a few extra steps can turn them into vibrant, thriving greens? The undesirable parts of carrots, lettuce, and celery can add a little green to your life — in the form of savings and fresh veggies.

 

Why bother with the whole scrap-growing business? Well, aside from reducing waste and being kind to Mother Earth, it’s an engaging hobby that brings a sense of accomplishment. It’s also fun for the grandkids.

 

Let’s start with something easy: lettuce. Rather than tossing that lettuce stump, place it in a shallow bowl with water, covering only the base. Pop it onto a sunny windowsill, and within a few days you’ll see new leaves sprouting.

 

Once it’s got a good start, plant it in soil and watch it grow.

 

Celery hearts are easy too. Just pop the base in water and transfer it to soil once new leaves appear. You’ll have crunch-ready new growth before you know it — just snip off what you need and leave the rest to grow.

 

Basil, mint, and cilantro are popular options as they can regrow from cuttings. Snip a stem about four inches long, remove the lower leaves, and place it in a glass of water. Plant in soil once roots develop. Before long you’ll have a thriving herb garden right in your kitchen! It’s like having a five-star chef’s garden without the Michelin star price.

 

Believe it or not, you can even grow fruit from scraps. Pineapple tops, for instance, can be grown into a delightful houseplant.

 

Slice off the top of a pineapple, remove a few lower leaves, and let it dry for a couple of days. Plant in soil, water regularly, and with a bit of patience you’ll have a new pineapple plant.

 

One of the best parts of growing greens from kitchen scraps is sharing the joy with others. Involve your friends, neighbors, and family. Swap tips, share your bounty, and spread the love of gardening. It’s a wonderful way to stay connected and nurture community.

 

The pleasure is as much about the process as the results. Embrace the trials, triumphs, and even occasional quirky failures. Gardening is a delightful blend of patience, hope, and humor. So go ahead, give those kitchen scraps a second chance and watch them flourish into something beautiful.

 

Athena is a student at LCC and blossoming freelance writer.