What To Know
- If you’d like to grow your spring onions in the garden or in a larger pot, you can transplant them after they’ve established a good root system.
- Simply remove the spring onions from the jar, gently loosen the roots, and plant them in a pot or garden bed with well-drained soil.
- Growing spring onions in a jar is a simple, rewarding, and sustainable way to enjoy fresh, flavorful greens.
Are you tired of buying those tiny, expensive spring onions at the supermarket? Do you wish you could enjoy fresh, flavorful scallions straight from your own kitchen? Well, you’re in luck! Growing spring onions in a jar is incredibly easy and rewarding, even for novice gardeners. This simple method allows you to transform your kitchen scraps into a sustainable source of delicious, versatile greens.
Embracing the Power of Regeneration
Spring onions, also known as scallions, are members of the allium family, which includes onions, garlic, and chives. They are incredibly easy to regrow from the root end, making them a perfect choice for beginner gardeners. This process, known as regeneration, takes advantage of the plant’s natural ability to sprout new growth from existing roots.
Getting Started: Gathering Your Supplies
Before you embark on your spring onion growing journey, gather these simple supplies:
- Spring onion scraps: Choose spring onions with healthy, firm roots.
- Glass jar: Any size will do, but a wide-mouth jar is ideal for easy access.
- Water: Clean, fresh water is essential for growth.
- Optional: A small amount of potting soil or compost (for additional support).
Preparing the Spring Onion Scraps
1. Cut the spring onions: Trim the green tops, leaving about one inch of the white root end intact.
2. Remove the outer layer: Gently peel away any dry or damaged outer layers of the root.
3. Rinse the roots: Wash the roots thoroughly under running water to remove any soil or debris.
Planting Your Spring Onion Scraps
1. Fill the jar with water: Pour clean water into the jar, ensuring the root ends are fully submerged.
2. Place the scraps: Carefully place the spring onion scraps into the jar, ensuring the root ends are submerged and the green tops are above the waterline.
3. Change the water: Replace the water every 2-3 days to prevent bacteria growth and keep the roots fresh.
Providing the Right Conditions for Growth
1. Sunlight: Place your jar in a sunny spot, ideally receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you lack direct sunlight, a bright windowsill will suffice.
2. Temperature: Spring onions thrive in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Keep your jar away from drafts and extreme temperatures.
Watching Your Spring Onions Grow
You’ll start to notice new growth within a week or two. As the new shoots emerge, the existing green tops may start to wilt. This is normal. Simply trim those back to encourage the growth of new, fresh greens.
Harvesting Your Homegrown Spring Onions
Once your spring onions have reached a desirable height (usually about 6-8 inches), you can start harvesting them. Simply snip off the green tops, leaving about an inch of growth at the base. This will allow your spring onions to continue producing new growth for weeks to come.
Extending the Life of Your Spring Onions
To ensure continuous fresh spring onions, you can re-plant the root ends after harvesting. Simply follow the same steps as before, placing them back in a jar with fresh water. Your spring onion plant will continue to produce new growth for several weeks, providing a steady supply of fresh greens.
Beyond the Jar: Transplanting Your Spring Onions
If you’d like to grow your spring onions in the garden or in a larger pot, you can transplant them after they’ve established a good root system. Simply remove the spring onions from the jar, gently loosen the roots, and plant them in a pot or garden bed with well-drained soil.
A Final Word: The Joy of Growing Your Own
Growing spring onions in a jar is a simple, rewarding, and sustainable way to enjoy fresh, flavorful greens. It’s a wonderful project for families, children, and anyone who wants to connect with nature and enjoy the satisfaction of growing their own food. So, grab some spring onion scraps, a jar, and a sunny spot, and get ready to experience the magic of regeneration!
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Can I use any type of jar?
A: While any glass jar will work, a wide-mouth jar is easier to access for trimming and re-planting the spring onions.
Q: How long will my spring onions keep producing new growth?
A: With proper care, your spring onions can continue producing new growth for several weeks.
Q: Can I use tap water?
A: Yes, you can use tap water. However, allowing the water to sit for a few hours before using it will allow any chlorine to dissipate.
Q: What if my spring onions start to wilt?
A: If your spring onions start to wilt, it’s likely due to dehydration. Ensure the roots are fully submerged in water and try to increase the amount of sunlight they receive.
Q: Can I grow other herbs in a jar?
A: Yes! Many herbs, including basil, mint, and parsley, can be successfully grown in jars using the same regeneration technique.
