If you compost, you’re probably in the habit of automatically chucking all your kitchen scraps into a temporary bin on the countertop, then later dumping the contents in your backyard compost heap. Well, it is a new year, why not add another “RE-” to your lifestyle, after all, you are already REusing, REcycling, REpurposing, REducing, etc. Now, try RE-sprouting some produce!

How to Choose

I recommend buying organic scallions when possible, which is good for the soil AND soul. Also, because we plan on investing in them, we want to start with quality produce. When choosing scallions, be sure to pull more towards the back of the selection, as stockers are supposed to pull/push older produce to the front. You want the color to be a bright or darker green. Do not buy yellowing or wilting scallions.

How to Root

Go about your cooking adventures…

1. Wash the scallions thoroughly to remove any soil/grit
2. Remove any yellowing or wilted leaves
3. Cut the scallions with a sharp knife, leaving about 1″ of green in tact
4. Fill a small glass, jar, or mug with distilled water. Clean rain water is the best choice as it provides fresh water Mother Nature has already injected with nutrients. If all you have it tap water, that works just fine.
5. Fill just enough water to cover the white part of the scallions
6. Do not fill all the way up
7. Change the water out every other day
8. Do not overcrowd the scallions. Give them ample room to breathe. Overcrowding and not changing out the water regularly will promote rot and a foul odor.

Sunlight and Planting

Set the scallions on an east-facing windowsill so they get lots of bright morning and afternoon sun, without all the heat. I’m in the southern part of America so south-facing windows during winter are also a good option. They get PLENTY of warm, bright sun, but there are some days I feel like even the winter sun is a bit too much for them. 

Another alternative is to plant your scallions directly into the garden bed. I have done precisely that with about five bunches organic scallions (YES, we eat loads of scallions in our household 🙂 ). They are their happiest in a sunny spot. They rarely require watering during the winter months since precipitation and humidity are higher, coupled with less heat.

1. Use an old butterknife, inserting directly into the ground about 5″ deep
2. Gently wiggle the knife in a circular motion 3-5 times, to make the planting hole bigger.
3. Pour a little of rainwater info the hole.
4. Insert the scallion, one per hole, until it covers the white part completely
5. Loosely sprinkle some soil around the base

When to Harvest

Scallions are like many other herbs and vegetables. The more you cut, the more they grow, and the healthier they are. Scallions grow FAST. They can start to sprout within hours after you harvest. It’s Spour how low or high on the scallion you cut. They will grow back regardless. Enjoy! Try this method with other veggies as well! I have also planted leeks and chives that have roots left on them. A friend was able to stick collard stems into the ground and VOILA, she is now on season #2 of collards. 🙂