Many people think the conventional way is the only way to grow a leafy green like lettuce. That just couldn’t be farther from the truth.
In this article, I’ll be teaching you how I grew lettuce from actual scraps multiple times throughout my gardening journey. By the end of it, you’ll be ready to grow new greens in no time.
Let’s get right into it, shall we?
Choosing The Right Lettuce Scraps
When we talk about scraps in the context of growing lettuce, it’s important to know that we’re actually referring to the base of the lettuce head.
If you have lettuce scraps lying around your house after a big dinner, it may not be very wise to just throw them in the bin. These lettuce heads can be reused to grow new plants.
However, make sure you choose healthy lettuce scraps for this. Freshness is very important to get this right! Healthy scraps will be:
Preparation & Regrowing Process
To kick off the regrowing process, you first need to rinse your lettuce scraps thoroughly under running water and get rid of any dirt or debris that may cause problems.
Then, take a small to medium-sized container, fill it up with high-quality potting soil mix, and place your lettuce in there (cut side up).
You can also do it in just water, it’s a great option for beginners or if you’re short on space!
Choosing The Right Location
Placing your container in the right location is crucial for getting your lettuce scraps to begin developing new leaves and roots.
The ideal location will be bright with indirect sunlight coming in through a curtained window. Placing the container on the front porch works too, as long as the sunlight doesn’t directly hit the lettuce.
Make sure, however, that your lettuce isn’t exposed to heat and rising temperatures for too long. This leafy green prefers cool temperatures for optimal growth.
Understanding Soil & Containers For Growth
When it comes to soil, avoid using your basic garden soil for regrowing lettuce. It’s often the least nutrient-dense and fertile option you have available.
Get your hands on potting mix from your local gardening store or nursery, and add some compost to it to boost nutrient content. This will be much more ideal for lettuce regrowth.
In terms of containers, you can pretty much use any that’s large enough (at least 6-8 inches deep) to accommodate full lettuce growth and has good drainage to prevent unwanted waterlogging issues.
There’s no need to go out of the way and get a special container for this job; you probably have one lying around in your house.
Caring For The Growing Lettuce
Lettuce typically only needs 3 things for optimal growth:
Soil moisture can be maintained by keeping up with your watering schedule and sticking to it over a very long period of time.
Keeping your container in a well-lit room or on your front porch ensures plenty of indirect light.
In case outdoor temperatures rise too high, bring your lettuce indoors to provide more temperature stability. Avoid keeping the container near heaters or air conditioners, as those too can be detrimental to healthy growth.
Other Foods You Can Regrow
Many people think the list of vegetables that can be regrown is small, but it’s actually not, if you’re willing to do your research on it and experiment a little.
I’ve regrown celery, sweet potatoes, carrots, and garlic from kitchen scraps many times throughout my long gardening journey. Believe it or not, it’s not as complex as some people make it out to be.
Fennel, green onions, cabbage, basil, radishes, and potatoes can all be regrown from scraps, as long as you know what you’re doing.
I even put together a full list of vegetables you can regrow from kitchen scraps in water if you want to give it a try yourself. And if you’re curious about tubers, here’s how I grow sweet potatoes and potatoes from scraps, step by step.
Conclusion
I’ve noticed that gardeners on the internet often tend to scare and confuse people more than help them gain confidence in their skills. Regrowing fruits and vegetables is not complex or super difficult; all it requires is some understanding and work.
Regrowing lettuce sometimes requires a little more love and attention as it can be more susceptible to diseases. However, if you fall in love with the process, it will feel like second nature to care for your leafy green and help it towards growth.
