The lettuce heads and green leaves have been eaten, but the roots remain and are still in the pot of soil. Some might be tempted to grow a new batch of greens and plants. However, it is not that simple. Experts explain how to re-grow store-bought greens in pots, reports “DoctorPiter”.
To prolong the freshness of lettuce, dill, parsley, basil and other greens, they are often sold in soil pots. But many wonder: how to grow another culture in the same pots?
“Potted greens are very convenient for consumers, and there is often a desire to extend their life and allow them to sprout again. Sometimes this is possible, but it is important to take into account certain production specifics,” answer organic gardening experts.
According to gardeners, greens are grown on farms in accordance with all the rules of intensive agriculture. Soil composition, fertilizer, air temperature, watering and humidity – all these parameters are close to ideal. And the process is monitored by a computer with many sensors.
“How else? The manufacturer must deliver a perfect product on time,” experts say. “And after we’ve bought those greens and eaten the delicious tops, the roots probably won’t experience such ideal conditions again. In the end, it’ll just be a windowsill, or at best a greenhouse. But it’s still worth a try.”
Here’s what the gardener recommends: place the root ball in a larger container with nutrient soil. It is recommended to enrich the soil for growing greens, for example with compost or humus. Experts also recommend adding perlite or vermiculite as a loosening agent.
If the roots are dry, they can be soaked in water for 20 minutes. If they are still wet, this is not necessary.
When it comes to lighting, greens full light is required, but not direct sunlight. This means providing shade on very hot days. A newspaper pressed against the glass is good for this purpose.
“Sometimes parsley, basil and dill partially produce new shoots,” gardeners explain. “Lettuce and leeks tend to grow by this process, which is to grow a long shoot with seeds at the end. What can be done? Nature promotes the reproduction of seeds, and all plants try to reproduce themselves, that is, to produce seeds. However, you cannot plant shoots; they are part of the plant.”
So, according to the expert, growing new greens from store-bought ones is not always possible.
“However, the desire to give greens a second life is always a positive thing. That’s why you have to try. Even if the chances are slim,” experts admit.
