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Tuesday, December 23, 2025
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Grow Plants From Kitchen Scraps

Grow plants from kitchen scraps for free!


Fruits

1. Citrus (Lemons, Oranges, Limes)

  • Germination Temperature: 20–25°C (68–77°F)
  • Steps: Plant fresh seeds in moist soil and keep in a warm, sunny spot.

2. Apples

  • Germination Temperature: 5°C (41°F) for stratification, then 20–25°C (68–77°F) for sprouting.
  • Steps: Stratify seeds in the fridge for 6–8 weeks, then plant in warm soil.

3. Avocado

  • Germination Temperature: 20–30°C (68–86°F)
  • Steps: Suspend the pit in water and keep it in a warm, sunny location.

4. Mango

  • Germination Temperature: 20–30°C (68–86°F)
  • Steps: Plant the seed in warm, moist soil.

5. Pineapple

  • Germination Temperature: 20–30°C (68–86°F)
  • Steps: Root the leafy top in water or soil in a warm, humid spot.

6. Papaya

  • Germination Temperature: 21–32°C (70–90°F)
  • Steps: Plant seeds in warm, moist soil and provide ample sunlight.

7. Tomatoes

  • Germination Temperature: 20–25°C (68–77°F)
  • Steps: Dry and plant seeds in soil with consistent warmth.

Vegetables

1. Potatoes

  • Germination Temperature: 15–20°C (59–68°F)
  • Steps: Plant sprouting “eyes” in loose soil.

2. Sweet Potatoes

  • Germination Temperature: 20–30°C (68–86°F)
  • Steps: Suspend half a sweet potato in water to grow slips, then plant.

3. Onions

  • Germination Temperature: 15–25°C (59–77°F)
  • Steps: Regrow from the root base in water, then plant in soil.

4. Garlic

  • Germination Temperature: 0–10°C (32–50°F) for vernalization, then 15–20°C (59–68°F)
  • Steps: Plant individual cloves in soil after cooling.

5. Carrots

  • Germination Temperature: 10–25°C (50–77°F)
  • Steps: Plant carrot tops in water or directly in moist soil.

6. Celery

  • Germination Temperature: 15–21°C (59–70°F)
  • Steps: Regrow the base in water, then plant in soil.

7. Lettuce

  • Germination Temperature: 15–21°C (59–70°F)
  • Steps: Regrow from the core in water, then transfer to soil.

8. Leeks

  • Germination Temperature: 15–20°C (59–68°F)
  • Steps: Place roots in water, then plant in soil.

9. Ginger

  • Germination Temperature: 20–30°C (68–86°F)
  • Steps: Plant a rhizome with visible buds in moist soil.

Herbs

1. Coriander (Cilantro)

  • Germination Temperature: 15–25°C (59–77°F)
  • Steps: Plant seeds or rooted stems in soil.

2. Basil

  • Germination Temperature: 20–25°C (68–77°F)
  • Steps: Root cuttings in water or plant directly in warm soil.

3. Mint

  • Germination Temperature: 15–20°C (59–68°F)
  • Steps: Root cuttings in water or plant directly in soil.

4. Thyme

  • Germination Temperature: 18–22°C (64–72°F)
  • Steps: Plant seeds or rooted cuttings in soil.

5. Green Onions (Spring Onions)

  • Germination Temperature: 15–25°C (59–77°F)
  • Steps: Regrow from root ends in water, then plant in soil.

Seeds, Nuts, and Grains

1. Sunflower Seeds

  • Germination Temperature: 20–25°C (68–77°F)
  • Steps: Plant unroasted seeds in soil and keep warm.

2. Pumpkin Seeds

  • Germination Temperature: 20–30°C (68–86°F)
  • Steps: Plant dried seeds in warm soil.

3. Chia Seeds

  • Germination Temperature: 15–25°C (59–77°F)
  • Steps: Sprinkle on damp soil and keep moist.

4. Peanuts

  • Germination Temperature: 20–30°C (68–86°F)
  • Steps: Plant raw, untreated peanuts in soil.

5. Almonds

  • Germination Temperature: 5–10°C (41–50°F) for stratification, then 20–25°C (68–77°F)
  • Steps: Cold-stratify nuts, then plant in warm soil.

Other Items

1. Mushrooms

  • Germination Temperature: 15–25°C (59–77°F)
  • Steps: Plant stem butts in moist, nutrient-rich soil in a shaded area.

2. Peppers (Bell, Chili)

  • Germination Temperature: 20–30°C (68–86°F)
  • Steps: Dry seeds and plant in warm, moist soil.

3. Squash/Zucchini

  • Germination Temperature: 20–30°C (68–86°F)
  • Steps: Plant dried seeds in warm, loose soil.

4. Corn

  • Germination Temperature: 15–25°C (59–77°F)
  • Steps: Plant untreated kernels in moist, well-draining soil.

Would you like additional tips for any specific plants?

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