Itching to start growing something?. But not having the usual wherewithal? Don't worry. Here's the way to start growing plants with whatever you have around the house. You will be pleasantly surprised at the endless possibilities. You are wondering if I have gone bonkers. No, I have my feet firmly on the ground. See the results of my experimentation. These plants have been simply grown in water without soil, in little containers which normally would be thrown away. And with vegetables and seeds found in my kitchen.
Onions
It was at school that I learnt to grow onions in water. We would grow them in jam bottles, and enjoy seeing the pace of growth of the white roots. It was so amazing then. It is equally amazing today. Now I also enjoy the sheer beauty of what it looks like, almost an artistic expression. I have grown these rather small sized onions together in a plastic takeaway container. Bigger onions will give bigger thicker leaves, which you can eat. As with all plants grown in water , remember to change the water every 3 or 4 days before they become murky. Otherwise the roots may rot, and with it the plant.
Microgreens
This term is something I have learnt of just a few years ago. Microgreens are included in a category called superfoods, because they are extremely nutritious and good for health. They are different from sprouts which are to be eaten whole. Microgreens are small plants around 3 to 5 inches tall, to be harvested and eaten while very young and have just one pair of real leaves. The shoots and stem are eaten, but not the roots. See a picture of the mustard microgreens, growing on a small tray, on just a layer of tissue paper. You need to ensure that the tissue is moist, but no water should be standing or the plants will rot.
I tried growing microgreens of masoor lentil whole, and moong or green gram. You can grow microgreens of methi, bengal gram, lobia, wheat, rajma etc.which are available in your kitchen. You can of course get other seeds from the market later and try them out. Microgreens can be grown in soil or just in water. I have grown mine in water only.
Pea shoots
Another success was the growing of pea shoots in water. I have grown up eating these young shoots in raw form. You need to soak the seeds for a day before putting them to grow in a netted kind of container so that the roots can spread down into the water. The water should just touch the seeds but not be drowned in them. As always, keep changing the water every few days.
Avacado / Sweet Potatoes
These can be allowed to grow into little plants in water and then transplanted into the soil. This avocado seed was kept in a small steel katori , and it was ensured that the water did not dry out. After it grew about 2 feet I had to give it away, for being planted in the soil to grow into a tree which would hopefully bear fruit. As for sweet potatoes, I have already done a post on them (https://www.onebighappyfamily.in/post/my-balcony-garden-2-growing-sweet-potatoes). Here is a picture of it growing in water.
Celery
I have more than enough celery plants in my garden now. I propagated them from one plant which I got from the grocery store. I let it root in water, and then planted it in the soil. In time it yields more plants in the soil which you may separate and transplant. It is useful as an ingredient for soup.
Conclusion
It is so engrossing and exciting to see the growth of a plant under your own care , and watch its daily growth. I would encourage you to try something right away and experience the pleasure first hand. Whatever you have around the house is good enough to start with. If not anything, grow that money plant in the water, something almost everyone has tried some time or the other. Happy gardening!
