Frugal Gardening: Regrow Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes from Kitchen Scraps

Frugal Gardening: Regrow Your Own Vegetables

Saving money on groceries doesn't require a green thumb—just a willingness to experiment. Many vegetables can be regrown from kitchen scraps, though non-organic store-bought produce may be treated with sprout inhibitors. For best results, source seeds or starter vegetables from experienced gardeners who avoid chemicals.

These regrown vegetables thrive in garden beds, mixed borders, or containers, enriching your soil as they grow.

Vegetables You Can Regrow

• Potatoes
• Sweet Potatoes
• Celery
• Silver beet (spinach)
• Onions
• Bok Choy

Understanding Potato Types

Unwashed: Sold with soil intact—watch for sellers rolling old potatoes in dirt to mimic fresh harvests.

Washed: Cleaned and packaged for shelf appeal.

Pink-skinned: Deeper yellow flesh when peeled; white varieties remain popular for flavor.

Growing Potatoes from Peels and Scraps

Method 1: Planting Potato Peels

Don't discard peels—those "eyes" are growth points. Dig a trench, place peels inside, cover with soil, and water well. Sprouts emerge in 2-3 weeks. As plants grow, hill soil around stems to prevent tubers from turning green (green potatoes contain solanine and shouldn't be eaten). Harvest when foliage yellows.

Method 2: Cutting and Planting Sprouted Ends

Cut sprouted ends from older potatoes, let dry 24 hours, then plant deeper than peels. This works for slightly damaged or green-tinged potatoes too. Historically, gardeners planted potatoes in future lawn areas to improve soil structure.

Alternative: Straw or Sack Growing

Plant in straw bales or hanging sacks filled with straw—reduces digging and keeps tubers clean. Water as you would in-ground plantings.

Growing Sweet Potatoes from Slips

1. Cut an organic sweet potato in half
2. Place halves cut-side down in shallow water
3. Keep in a sunny window for 4-5 weeks, maintaining water level
4. Shoots ("slips") will develop roots
5. Gently separate slips and plant in prepared soil or pots
6. Keep indoors until frost danger passes, then transplant outside

Pro Tip: When plants produce runners, cut and plant the cut end in soil with the tip exposed—these will also yield sweet potatoes.

Sweet Potato Chips: A Delicious Bonus

Homegrown sweet potatoes make superior chips—crisp, sweet, and free from additives.

Why Grow Your Own?

Enjoy chemical-free produce, reduce grocery bills, and experience the satisfaction of harvesting from your own garden. Many other vegetables regrow similarly—experiment and expand your frugal garden!

© TPhotos – images and writing by Shar_On and Eileen