My Kitchen Scrap Garden started as an answer to my current inability to keep houseplants alive and morphed into a fun family project that we can eat!
I have always been a houseplant person. Growing up, I was part of the houseplant group in 4H and, into young adulthood, I always had a jungle in my living room window.  Then we moved to Minnesota, where both our garden level apartment and our house were too dark and drafty to keep anything alive. I continued to look for a system that works, which has left me with several empty pots of soil. So, I started tucking kitchen scraps into these pots. First I planted a celery stalk and then some green onions. It worked out well; and they both have thrived. I cut off bits and pieces for salads or toppings when I need them.
And Then My Kitchen Scrap Garden Surprise!
The happy surprise for me was that my kids spontaneously started planting scraps, too. First my 10-year-old asked if she could plant her own celery stalk.
Then one day I saw an onion tucked into a pot. It turns out my 4-year-old also thought gardening would be fun. (He planted it upside down, but I just quietly fixed it.) They both have been excitedly watching the growth of their little plants.
This has been a no-lose project for us. We had the pots of dirt leftover from failed houseplants and the scraps would have been composted. If the plant dies, we will compost it and start the next scrap. No guilt. Our one downside is the lack of space in front of our one south-facing window. We may have to build shelves.
Ideas for Kitchen Scrap Gardening are easy to find, but this article on DIY & Crafts is a good place to start with 25 suggestions. Some are easier than others, and many would need to be transferred outside at some point. Celery is super easy, but indoors, I mostly just use the leaves to top salads. Onions and garlic are also really easy and can be snipped as you go. I have been trying for over a year to get my Aldi herbs to root. They never have. I have not tried with organic herbs, but will soon. Â I also really want to try mushrooms. Â If you try this, let us know your success stories!
