Welcome to my blog, Enthusiast Gardener!
Today, we're diving into one of the easiest and most satisfying indoor gardening projects—harvesting green onions grown in water. Whether you're trying to cut down on food waste, enjoy fresh flavors year-round, or simply love the joy of growing your own food, this method checks all the boxes.
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Green onions—also known as scallions—are wonderfully low-maintenance and regrow quickly when placed in a jar of water. In today’s post, I’ll guide you through the harvesting process step by step, and share how to enjoy fresh, homegrown green onions in your meals week after week.
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🌿 Why Grow Green Onions in Water?
In a previous video, I walked through the entire growing process. It’s deeply rewarding to watch these greens come back to life and to know you’re reducing waste while growing something edible and delicious. Best of all, they don’t require soil—just fresh water and a little care.
🎥 Watch 🎥
How to Grow Green Onions in Water Using a Plastic Egg Carton!
✂️ When & How to Harvest Green Onions Grown in Water
Once your green onions reach a height of about 6 to 8 inches, they're ready for harvest. This usually happens within 7 to 10 days, depending on growing conditions.
Here’s how to harvest them properly so they continue to grow again and again:
Use clean, sharp scissors or garden shears.
Cut just above the water line, leaving 2 to 3 inches of the white base (including roots) intact.
This encourages continuous regrowth from the rooted base and gives you a fresh harvest every few weeks.
If you cut too low or remove the entire base, the plant won’t regrow. But by snipping correctly, you create a cycle of endless, edible rewards!
💧 Keep the Water Fresh for Healthy Regrowth
Pro Tip: To keep your green onions healthy and encourage long-term growth, change the water every 3–4 days. This prevents bacterial buildup, keeps the roots oxygenated, and supports stronger, greener shoots.
Here are a few more water care tips:
- Use room temperature water.
- Rinse the jar during water changes to remove any slime or residue.
- Make sure the roots are submerged, but the green shoots are above the water.
- With just a little maintenance, your water-grown green onions will continue producing flavorful greens for many weeks!
🥗 How to Use Your Harvested Green Onions
Once harvested, rinse your green onions under cool running water to remove any dirt or residue. Pat them dry with a paper towel, and they’re ready to use!
Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor to a wide range of dishes:
- Sprinkle over salads.
- Toss into stir-fries.
- Add to soups, omelets, baked potatoes.
- Use as a garnish for noodles, dips, and rice bowls.
Because you can harvest every few weeks, you’ll always have a fresh batch ready to elevate your meals!
🌼 Conclusion: A Simple Habit with Fresh Rewards
Growing and harvesting green onions in water is a fun, low-effort way to bring gardening into your kitchen. It’s sustainable, cost-effective, and incredibly satisfying to snip something fresh right into your cooking.
Whether you're new to gardening or simply love the idea of reusing food scraps creatively, this method is a great place to start.
🌱 Try it out, and let me know how your green onions are growing! Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear your tips, tricks, and recipe ideas!
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🎥 Watch 🎥
How to Harvest Green Onions Grown in Water: A Simple & Sustainable Kitchen Garden Hack
✅ 100 White Onion Bulbs for Planting, Onion Sets Fresh Bulbs Seeds for Growing:
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✅ 8 Ounces Yellow Onion Sets Sweet Onions Bulb Seed Set Perennial Garden Vegetable Green Plant Bulbs Seeds Permaculture:
❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Harvesting Green Onions in Water
1. How long does it take for green onions to regrow in water?
You can usually start harvesting within 7 to 10 days, depending on light and temperature.
2. Can I harvest green onions multiple times from the same roots?
Yes! With proper cutting and care, you can harvest the same bunch 3–4 times or more.
3. Do green onions grown in water need sunlight?
Yes, place them near a bright window where they can receive indirect sunlight for healthy growth.
4. Why are my green onion tips turning yellow?
This usually indicates old or stagnant water. Refresh the water every 3–4 days and trim off any dead tips.
5. How much of the green onion should I leave when cutting?
Leave about 2–3 inches of the white base and roots to allow for regrowth.
6. Can I grow green onions in water forever?
While regrowth isn’t endless, you can enjoy multiple harvests. After several cycles, consider replacing with fresh root bases.
7. Do I need to fertilize green onions in water?
No fertilizer is necessary for short-term growth, but for more extended regrowth, a drop of liquid plant food can help.
8. Will they grow faster in soil or water?
They grow slightly faster in soil, but water-grown onions are easier to manage indoors and just as tasty!
9. Can I store harvested green onions?
Yes, wrap them in a paper towel and place them in a sealed bag in the fridge. They’ll last up to a week.
10. Can I plant water-grown green onions into soil?
Absolutely! Once roots are established, transplanting into soil can lead to more robust and longer-lasting plants
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