When you’re prepping meals, it's easy to toss leftover bits into the trash without a second thought. But did you know that some of those food scraps can be turned into fresh, thriving plants right in your backyard garden? Not only does this cut down on waste, but it also gives you a head start on growing your own produce—with zero cost. Here are five common kitchen scraps you can regrow in the garden

1. Green Onion Bottoms

That white bulb at the bottom of your green onions? Don’t toss it! Place it in a cup of water on a sunny windowsill. Within days, you’ll see new green shoots. Once the roots have grown stronger, transplant the bulb into your garden. You’ll have an endless supply of green onions with minimal effort.

2. Potato Peels with Eyes

Next time you peel potatoes, check for “eyes”—those small dimpled spots where sprouts grow. If the peel has at least one or two eyes, you can plant it directly into the soil, eye-side up. In a few weeks, new potato plants will start to sprout, eventually producing full tubers underground.

3. Lettuce and Celery Bases

After cutting off the leaves or stalks, don’t throw away the base of your lettuce or celery. Place the bottom in a shallow dish of water, cut side up. Change the water every couple of days and watch it regrow new leaves. Once roots develop, transfer it to soil and keep it well-watered.

4. Garlic Cloves

That old garlic clove that’s starting to sprout? Perfect. Plant it root-side down in your garden, and it will grow into a whole new bulb. Garlic prefers well-drained soil and lots of sunlight, and each clove can yield an entire bulb come harvest time.

5. Pepper Seeds

Sweet bell peppers or hot chili peppers—either way, you can save the seeds. Dry them out and then plant them in warm soil. With a bit of sunshine and patience, you’ll have pepper plants ready to thrive in your garden. Bonus: if you’re growing from organic peppers, you may get even better results.

Repurposing food scraps isn’t just a fun science experiment—it’s a small but impactful way to live more sustainably. Next time you're in the kitchen, think twice before tossing those leftovers. Your garden (and your wallet) will thank you.