Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on The Penny Hoarder.
Before you toss those food scraps in the compost or trash, wait — some of them can sprout into fresh ingredients right on your windowsill. Regrowing kitchen scraps is a simple way to save money, reduce food waste and build your own little garden.
Keep reading for some common food scraps you can regrow at home, no green thumb required.
1. Green Onions
Green onions are among the easiest foods to regrow. Just place the white roots in a glass of water and set them near a window. You’ll see new green shoots in just a few days. Change the water every couple of days, and snip what you need.
2. Celery
Don’t toss the celery base! Place the bottom inch in a shallow bowl of water and set it in a sunny spot. In about a week, you’ll see new leaves emerging from the center. Once it grows stronger, you can transplant it into soil.
3. Lettuce
You can regrow romaine, butter or leaf lettuce from the stem. Keep the bottom 2 inches in water, and in about a week, new leaves will begin to sprout. This method works best with fresh, unwilted scraps.
4. Potatoes
Those sprouted spuds in your pantry are perfect for regrowing. Cut them into chunks with at least one “eye” per piece and let them dry out for a day. Then plant them in soil with the eye facing up. In a few months, you’ll harvest a fresh crop.
5. Garlic
Garlic cloves that start sprouting are ready to grow. Plant a single clove root-side down in a small pot of soil. Keep it in sunlight and water sparingly. Eventually, you’ll grow a whole new bulb—and save yourself a trip to the store.
6. Basil
Got leftover basil stems? Place a 4-inch cutting in water, removing the leaves near the bottom. After roots appear (usually within a week), transplant it into soil. With a little care, you’ll have fresh basil year-round.
7. Carrot Tops
You can’t grow new carrots from the tops, but you can grow greens that are perfect for garnishes, pesto or smoothies. Place carrot tops in a shallow dish with water, and they’ll regrow in a few days.
8. Pineapple
Yes, you can grow a pineapple from its top! Twist off the leafy crown, remove the lower leaves, and let it dry for a day or two. Then plant it in soil and place it in a sunny location. It takes patience — up to two years — but it’s a fun experiment.
9. Ginger
Ginger roots can be regrown by placing a piece in soil with the buds facing up. Keep it moist and warm, and soon you’ll see shoots and new roots forming. Ginger grows slowly, but it’s rewarding — and delicious.
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