It’s hard not to use celery when you’re cooking. From bringing the crunch to Sloppy Joes and chicken salad or holding together “ants on a log,” it seems to be a supporting ingredient in absolutely everything.
The best reason to love this crunchy vegetable is that celery can be re-grown–from scraps you don’t use! (Having a green thumb is optional.) Here’s our step-by-step guide to get you growing:
1. Cut Off the Roots
When you’re ready to start cooking, chop off the bottom 2″ at the base of the stalk. (This is the part you probably wouldn’t eat anyway.) You can use everything else in your recipe, but the base is for our growing magic!
2. Bring Water & Sun
Place the base in a shallow bowl of warm water. You’re going to want the rough side facing down and the stalk side facing up. Make sure the bottom inch of the base is fully submerged in water and the top part is above water. It’s a balancing act–toothpicks help.
Place the celery bowl on a sunny windowsill or near a window. Change out the water every day or so.
3. Watch the Celery Grow
The plant will regenerate after about 5 to 7 days. How crazy is that? The small yellow leaves in the middle of the base will begin to grow and turn a dark green. The outer stalks may dry out or turn brown, but fear not, this is normal! Don’t leave it in water for too much longer, though, because the outer stalk will start to rot.
4. Plant & Water
Depending on the growth of your plant, it should be ready to plant in soil after about a week. You can use a container or replant directly into your garden, if the weather is cool and conditions are good. Just make sure the new little leaves are sticking above the soil!
Like any plant, celery will continue to grow with sunlight and water. It needs moist soil, but the ground shouldn’t be overly wet.
5. Enjoy It!
It will take about 4 months to grow, and then it’s ready for harvest. Now, what to do with this homegrown celery? You could use a stalk or two in this Chicken Noodle Soup, but honestly, the options are endless!
It’s a good year to flex your green thumb and start that kitchen herb garden or even grow your own superfoods. Happy gardening!