How to Regrow Herbs from a Supermarket: Easy Guide for Beginners

Want to know how to regrow herbs from a supermarket? If you’ve ever tossed wilted basil or cilantro from your fridge, this trick is for you! Regrowing supermarket herbs is a budget-friendly, sustainable way to enjoy fresh flavors year-round. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or just want to save money, this guide will show you how to turn grocery store herbs into thriving plants. Let’s dive into the simple steps to regrow basil, cilantro, mint, and more!

Why Regrow Supermarket Herbs?

Regrowing herbs saves cash, reduces food waste, and brings fresh, homegrown flavor to your kitchen. It’s perfect for small spaces like a windowsill or balcony, and you don’t need to be a gardening pro to make it work. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and super satisfying to watch your herbs grow! Popular herbs like basil, cilantro, mint, parsley, and green onions are easy to regrow, making this a great project for anyone.

Benefits of Regrowing Herbs

• Cost-effective: Get endless herbs from a single purchase.
• Sustainable: Cut down on plastic packaging and food waste.
• Convenient: Fresh herbs at your fingertips for cooking.

What You’ll Need to Start

Here’s what you need to regrow herbs at home:

• Fresh supermarket herbs (e.g., basil, cilantro, mint, parsley, or green onions—look for vibrant, non-wilty stems)
• A glass or jar of water
• Scissors or a sharp knife
• Small pots and well-draining potting soil (optional for later)
• A sunny spot (6-8 hours of sunlight is ideal)

Step-by-Step Guide to Regrowing Supermarket Herbs

1. Choose Fresh, Healthy Herbs

Pick herbs that look fresh, with firm stems and bright leaves. Avoid anything wilted or yellowing. Organic herbs are often best, as non-organic ones may be treated with chemicals that slow rooting. Top picks include:

• Basil: Great for pesto or Italian dishes.
• Cilantro: Perfect for salsas and curries.
• Mint: Ideal for teas and desserts.
• Green Onions: Super easy and fast-growing.
• Parsley: A versatile garnish for soups and salads.

2. Trim the Stems Properly

Using scissors or a knife, cut 1-2 inches off the bottom of the stems. For herbs like basil, mint, or cilantro, cut just below a leaf node (the spot where leaves sprout)—this is where new roots will grow. For green onions, trim the roots, leaving about 2 inches of the white bulb intact.

3. Place in Water

Put the trimmed stems in a glass with enough water to cover the bottom 1-2 inches of the stem (keep leaves above water to avoid rot). Change the water every 1-2 days to keep it fresh. Place the jar in a sunny spot, like a windowsill. Roots should start appearing in 7-14 days, with green onions sprouting new growth in just 3-5 days!

4. Wait for Strong Roots

Patience is key! Basil and mint often root in 7-10 days, while cilantro and parsley may take up to 2 weeks. Once roots are 1-2 inches long, your herbs are ready for the next step. Green onions can stay in water indefinitely, producing new shoots for months.

5. Transfer to Soil for Long-Term Growth

For a full herb plant, move rooted cuttings to a small pot with well-draining soil. Plant roots about 1 inch deep, water lightly, and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Place the pot in a sunny spot. If you prefer, you can keep herbs like green onions in water, but soil provides more nutrients for long-term growth.

6. Care for Your Herb Plants

Herbs are low-maintenance, but they thrive with:

• Sunlight: 6-8 hours daily (south-facing windows are great).
• Watering: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged; for water-grown herbs, refresh water regularly.
• Pruning: Snip leaves often to encourage bushy growth. For basil, pinch off top leaves to prevent legginess.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• No roots forming? Ensure stems are fresh, water is changed daily, and the jar gets enough sunlight.
• Wilting leaves? Check for rotting stems—trim any mushy parts and refresh the water.
• Slow growth? Move to a sunnier spot or use a grow light for indoor setups.

Best Herbs to Regrow from Supermarket Cuttings

Here’s a quick guide to the easiest herbs to regrow:

• Basil: Roots quickly, loves sun, great for pesto or caprese salads.
• Cilantro: Slower to root but perfect for Mexican or Indian dishes.
• Mint: Grows like crazy—ideal for mojitos or tea.
• Green Onions: Fastest to regrow, just keep them in water for continuous harvests.
• Parsley: Takes time but provides steady leaves for garnishes.

Pro Tips for Regrowing Success

• Go Organic: Organic herbs are less likely to have growth inhibitors.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Give each stem space in the jar or pot for better light and air circulation.
• Harvest Smart: Cut outer leaves first to keep the plant thriving.
• Experiment: Try regrowing other herbs like rosemary or thyme, though they’re trickier and may need more time.

Why Regrowing Herbs Is Worth It

Regrowing supermarket herbs is a game-changer. You save money, reduce waste, and get the joy of fresh, homegrown herbs for your favorite recipes. Imagine snipping your own basil for pizza or grabbing cilantro for tacos—it’s like a mini kitchen victory every time! Plus, it’s a fun way to dip your toes into gardening without spending a fortune.