HOW TO REGROW GREEN ONIONSDid you know you can easily grow herbs from scraps?
This activity sheet will show you how to resprout green onions(also known as scallions or chives) using items you alreadyhave in your kitchen, so you can have fresh herbs tobrighten up your cooking.

Supplies• Ends of green onions with roots• Rubber band or twist tie• Cup or glass jar• Filtered water (see tips)• Scissors• Planter (optional)• Potting soil (optional)

Instructions
1. Save the ends of your green onions.

Leave at least 3 inches (~7.5 cm) of the plant above the roots so the stalk can lean against thewalls of the container you put it in. Green onions from the store usually have a rubber band or
twist tie around the stalks. Reuse the rubber band or tie to keep the stalks together andsupported as they grow.

2. Put the green onion ends into a cup or jar of filtered water.

Room temperature filtered water works best for plants. Roots are very sensitive, so very hot orcold water can damage the roots. If you don’t have filtered water, you can also boil tapwater to purify it and cool it to room temperature before you use it. Another method is toleave tap water uncovered overnight so the chlorine evaporates.
Using a glass container lets you see the roots growing, but a mug will still do the trick. You canstart out with a short, narrow container and switch to a glass with taller sides as the stalks grow.
Fill the container with enough water to cover the roots, but don’t submerge the whole stalk.
1 ½ inches (3.8 cm) of water is a good measure.

Did you know you can resprout other herbs and veggies? Green onions
are simple, but so are other herbs like oregano, basil, mint, or evenveggies like celery, lettuce, and many others. Check out this ​informationalguide​ ​if you want to learn more.

3. Watch the green onions grow.

Place the jar of green onions near a sunny window. Green
onions grow super fast! Even within a day, you will see thestalk and roots growing noticeably. Within a week or less,you will have fresh green onions whenever you need them.
Snip off the tops of stalks with scissors to garnish your dishes.

4. Refresh the water frequently.

Replace the water every day or two, when you see it
getting cloudy. This will prevent mold from growing. The
green onions will last a couple of weeks or so in water
before they need nutrients from soil to keep growing.
When the roots grow longer than 2 inches, the stalks areready to plant in soil if you’d like to keep them around forlonger.

Optional steps
5. Plant the stalks in soil.

Green onions grow faster in soil than in water, so
this is a good option if you already have potting
soil and a planter on hand. Fill your pot ¾ of theway full with potting soil. Wet this soil before
planting the green onions.
Separate the stalks by removing the rubberband or bead tie. With your finger or the end ofa pencil or pen, make a hole ~2 inches (5 cm)
deep. You may have to trim the tops of thegreen onions if they are too long to handle
while you plant them. Gently place one green
onion stalk into the hole and pack soil around it.
Repeat with the other stalks. Leave about aninch (2.5 cm) in between each stalk so the rootshave room to grow. Fill the rest of the planterwith soil and firmly press soil around the stalks to stabilize them.
Generously water what you’ve just planted and let the excess water drain.

6. Maintain your new green onion plant.

Find a sunny window to put your green onions near. Herbs like a lot of bright light. Water theplant when the soil feels dry to the touch, about every 3-4 days. Don’t over water. Soggy soil
can lead to mold, but otherwise green onions are low maintenance plants.