Regrowing celery at home is a simple, eco-friendly way to reduce waste and have a fresh supply of this versatile vegetable on hand. No garden is required — just a few basic materials and a bit of patience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, from starting in water to transplanting into soil.
Materials Needed
- Fresh Celery: Purchase a fresh bunch of celery with healthy, crisp stalks.
- Containers: Use containers with drainage holes for both water and soil stages, such as glass jars, plastic containers, or recycled vessels.
- Water: Clean, room-temperature water is essential for the initial regrowth stage.
- Potting Mix: Choose a well-draining potting mix to support healthy root growth.
- Sunlight: Celery requires at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, so select a bright spot in your home.
Step 1: Preparing the Celery Base
- Trim the Stalks: Cut the celery stalks, leaving about 2 inches of the base intact. This is the portion where regrowth will occur.
- Remove Outer Layers: Gently peel away any damaged or tough outer layers to ensure the inner base can sprout freely.
Step 2: Water Regrowth
- Submerge in Water: Place the celery base, cut side up, in a container with enough water to cover the bottom edge.
- Change Water Regularly: Replace the water every 2-3 days to keep it fresh and provide the necessary nutrients for regrowth.
- Monitor Growth: After 7-14 days, you’ll notice new leaves sprouting from the center of the base. Small roots may also begin to form at the bottom.
Step 3: Transplanting to Soil
- Prepare the Container: Fill a pot or container with well-draining potting mix, ensuring it’s deep enough to support the growing celery roots.
- Plant the Celery Base: Gently transfer the celery base from water to the soil, burying it just deep enough to cover the roots. Leave the leafy sprouts exposed above the soil surface.
- Water Thoroughly: Water the soil generously after transplanting to help the roots settle. Place the container in a sunny spot where it will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
- Maintain Moisture: Celery thrives in consistently moist soil. Water it regularly to prevent the soil from drying out, but avoid waterlogging.
Step 4: Ongoing Care and Harvest
- Optional Fertilization: To boost growth, consider using a balanced fertilizer according to the package instructions.
- Monitor Growth: As your celery grows, watch for healthy new stalks emerging from the center.
- Harvest Gradually: Celery is a “cut-and-come-again” plant, meaning you can harvest outer stalks as they mature while allowing the inner stalks to continue growing.
By following these simple steps, you can regrow celery from scraps, even without a garden. This sustainable approach reduces food waste and provides you with fresh, homegrown celery for cooking, snacking, or juicing. With a little care and patience, you’ll enjoy an ongoing supply of fresh produce right from your kitchen. Happy growing!