Celery is a nutritious and versatile vegetable that can be regrown from scraps with minimal effort, making it an excellent project for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. This eco-friendly and cost-effective method is perfect for anyone, even those without a garden, as it requires only a few household items and a sunny spot. Here’s an in-depth guide to regrowing celery at home in water and later transplanting it into soil.
Materials Needed
Fresh Celery: Purchase a fresh bunch of celery from your local store or farmer’s market. Ensure it has healthy, firm stalks and an intact base.
Containers: Use shallow bowls, jars, or glasses for the water stage and pots with drainage holes for the soil stage.
Water: Clean, room-temperature water for the initial regrowth stage.
Potting Mix: A high-quality, well-draining potting mix is ideal for planting celery. Adding compost or organic matter can improve soil fertility.
Sunlight: Celery thrives in a sunny environment. Select a windowsill or spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Optional Fertilizer: A balanced all-purpose fertilizer can promote healthy growth during the soil stage.
Step 1: Preparing Celery Scraps
Trim the Celery: Cut the celery stalks, leaving about two inches of the base intact. The base is where the regrowth will occur.
Remove Damaged Layers: Peel away any tough or damaged outer layers to expose the fresh, healthy inner core. This allows new shoots to grow unimpeded.
Step 2: Regrowing Celery in Water
Place the Base in Water: Submerge the celery base in a shallow bowl or glass with enough water to cover the bottom. Avoid immersing the entire base, as this can cause rot.
Position in Sunlight: Place the container on a sunny windowsill or another spot with plenty of indirect sunlight. Celery requires consistent warmth and light to sprout.
Change Water Regularly: Replace the water every two to three days to keep it fresh and oxygenated, preventing the buildup of bacteria or mold.
Monitor Growth: Within a week or two, you should notice new green shoots emerging from the center of the celery base. Roots may also begin forming at the bottom.
Step 3: Transplanting to Soil
Prepare the Container: Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Fill it with a well-draining potting mix, enriched with compost or organic matter for nutrients.
Plant the Celery Base: Gently remove the celery base from the water. Make a small hole in the soil and place the base in it, burying it just enough to cover the developing roots. The green shoots should remain above the soil surface.
Water Thoroughly: After planting, water the soil until it is evenly moist. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot.
Position for Growth: Place the container in a sunny location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily.
Step 4: Caring for Your Growing Celery
Watering: Celery prefers consistently moist soil. Water regularly to keep the soil damp but not soggy. Check the top inch of soil and water when it begins to dry out.
Fertilizing: If the celery’s growth slows, consider applying a balanced all-purpose fertilizer every four to six weeks. Follow the package instructions for proper application.
Pest Control: Inspect the plant for common pests like aphids or spider mites. If pests are present, treat them with organic insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Pruning: Remove yellowing or wilted leaves to encourage healthy growth. Pruning also helps redirect energy to the main stalks.
Step 5: Harvesting Your Celery
Harvest Outer Stalks First: Celery is a cut-and-come-again plant, meaning you can harvest the outer stalks as they mature while allowing the inner ones to continue growing. Use a clean knife or scissors to cut the stalks close to the base.
Harvest Time: Depending on growing conditions, your celery should be ready to harvest within four to six weeks of planting in soil. Outer stalks can be harvested regularly, and the plant will continue producing new growth.
Tips for Successful Celery Regrowth
Temperature Control: Celery grows best in moderate temperatures, ideally between 60 to 70°F. Protect it from extreme heat or cold.
Companion Planting: If growing celery alongside other plants, choose companions like onions, spinach, or lettuce, which can thrive in similar conditions.
Replant for Continuous Growth: You can repeat this process with new celery bases to maintain a steady supply of fresh celery throughout the year.
Why Regrow Celery
Regrowing celery from scraps is an easy, sustainable way to reduce food waste and save money. It’s also a fun project for kids and adults alike, providing a firsthand look at how plants grow. Plus, homegrown celery is fresher and more flavorful than store-bought options, making it a fantastic addition to your cooking.
Enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own celery at home, no garden required. Happy gardening.