Growing plants from seeds taken from store-bought fruits and vegetables can be a rewarding experience. However, not all seeds will germinate successfully due to hybridization, genetic modifications, or chemical treatments. Here’s how to maximize your chances:
Step 1: Choosing the Right Produce
- Organic Produce: Choose organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible, as non-organic ones may have been treated with chemicals that prevent germination.
- Heirloom Varieties: These are better for seed saving because hybrids may not produce true-to-type plants.
- Fully Ripe Fruits & Vegetables: Seeds from mature fruits have the best chance of sprouting.
Step 2: Extracting Seeds
Fruits (Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers, Melons, etc.)
- Remove Seeds: Scoop out seeds and place them in a container.
- Ferment (if needed): Some seeds, like tomatoes, need to be fermented for a few days in water to remove the gel coating.
- Rinse & Dry: Rinse seeds thoroughly and dry them on a paper towel for several days before storing.
Vegetables (Peppers, Squash, Pumpkins, etc.)
- Scoop & Rinse: Remove seeds and rinse off any flesh.
- Dry Properly: Spread them on a plate or paper towel in a dry, well-ventilated area.
Grains & Legumes (Beans, Lentils, Corn, etc.)
- Select Dry Seeds: Use dried store-bought beans or corn kernels.
- Soak & Test Germination: Soak a few in water overnight and plant them to see if they sprout.
Step 3: Storing Seeds
- Store seeds in a cool, dry place in an envelope, paper bag, or airtight container.
- Label with the name and date collected.
- Some seeds, like peppers, last for years, while others, like onions, have a short shelf life.
Step 4: Germinating & Planting
- Pre-Germination Test: Place seeds between damp paper towels and seal them in a plastic bag for a few days to check viability.
- Plant in Soil: Use well-draining soil and provide adequate light and water.
- Transplanting: Once seedlings are strong, move them to larger pots or a garden.
Would you like advice on a specific fruit or vegetable?
How about a carrot?
Carrots are a bit different from most vegetables because the part we eat is the root, not the fruit. If you want to grow carrots from store-bought ones, you have two main options:
Option 1: Regrowing Carrots from Tops (No Seeds Needed)
Carrots won’t grow new roots from the part we eat, but you can regrow the leafy greens and eventually get seeds.
- Cut Off the Top: Slice off the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the carrot.
- Place in Water: Put the cut side down in a shallow dish of water.
- Provide Sunlight: Place near a sunny window and change the water every few days.
- Transplant to Soil: Once green shoots and small roots appear, plant the top in soil.
- Wait for Flowers & Seeds: After several months, if left to grow, the plant will produce flowers and seeds in its second year.
Option 2: Growing Carrots from Seeds
Since carrots are biennials, they produce seeds in their second year of growth. Here’s how to collect seeds from store-bought carrots:
- Choose an Organic, Heirloom Carrot: Hybrid varieties may not produce true-to-type seeds.
- Let It Grow: Instead of harvesting the root, leave the carrot planted so it can go to seed in its second year.
- Flowering: The carrot will produce a tall stalk with small white flowers (like Queen Anne’s Lace).
- Seed Collection: After the flowers dry, collect the tiny brown seeds.
- Store & Plant: Store in a cool, dry place and plant next season.
Since carrots take two years to produce seeds, it’s often easier to buy a seed packet.
How about green peas?
Growing Green Peas from Store-Bought Peas
If you have dried green peas from the store (or fresh ones), you can grow new plants by following these steps:
Step 1: Choosing the Right Peas
- Dried Peas: If buying from the grocery store, ensure they are whole, not split. Many dried peas will still germinate.
- Fresh Peas: If you have fresh peas in pods, they can also be planted.
- Avoid Frozen or Canned Peas: These will not germinate as they are processed.
Step 2: Preparing for Planting
-
Soak the Peas:
- Place the peas in a bowl of water and let them soak for 12-24 hours.
- This softens the seed coat and speeds up germination.
-
Check for Swelling:
- After soaking, viable peas should be slightly swollen and ready for planting.
Step 3: Planting the Peas
- Choose a Location: Peas grow best in cool weather with full sun.
- Prepare the Soil:
- Loose, well-draining soil is ideal.
- Peas don’t need much fertilizer since they fix their own nitrogen.
- Plant the Peas:
- Sow the peas 1-2 inches deep and 2 inches apart.
- If using a pot, make sure it is at least 6 inches deep.
- Watering:
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Step 4: Supporting Growth
- Peas grow as vines or bush varieties. If growing vining peas, provide a trellis or stake.
- In 7-14 days, seedlings will emerge.
Step 5: Harvesting Peas
- Harvest fresh peas in 50-70 days, once pods are plump.
- If collecting seeds for the next planting, allow pods to dry on the plant before harvesting.
Would you like help identifying the best pea variety to grow? 😊
Best Green Pea Varieties for Indoor Growing
Since you’re growing green peas indoors, you’ll need compact, dwarf, or bush varieties that don’t require much space or tall trellises. Here are some of the best options:
1. Tom Thumb Peas 🌱
✅ Perfect for small pots & containers
✅ Grows only 8-12 inches tall
✅ Produces sweet, small pods
✅ Harvest in 50-55 days
🔹 Ideal for: Windowsills, balconies, and small indoor spaces
2. Half Pint Peas
✅ Compact, grows under 12 inches tall
✅ High yield in small spaces
✅ Thrives in containers
🔹 Perfect for: Indoor pots, hydroponic setups
3. Sugar Ann Snap Peas
✅ Sweet, crunchy, and edible pods
✅ Dwarf variety, grows about 2 feet tall
✅ Fast-growing, ready in 50-55 days
🔹 Best for: Hanging baskets, pots, and small trellises
4. Little Marvel Peas
✅ Bush-type, grows 12-18 inches tall
✅ Good for small pots and raised beds
✅ Produces tender, sweet peas
🔹 Best for: Limited indoor space, containers
Tips for Growing Peas Indoors
🌞 Light: At least 6-8 hours of sunlight (or use grow lights)
🪴 Pot Size: Use 6-inch deep pots with good drainage
💦 Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy
🧗 Support: Some varieties may need a small trellis or stake
Would you like recommendations for grow lights or soil types? 😊
Best Soil for Growing Peas Indoors
Peas grow best in loose, well-draining, and nutrient-rich soil. Here’s what to look for:
1. Ideal Soil Mix for Peas
✅ Well-Draining – Prevents root rot
✅ Light & Fluffy – Helps root development
✅ Nutrient-Rich – Supports healthy growth
📌 DIY Pea Soil Mix:
- 50% Potting Soil (organic, well-draining)
- 30% Compost (adds nutrients)
- 20% Perlite or Sand (improves drainage)
📌 Pre-Made Potting Mixes (Recommended Brands):
- FoxFarm Ocean Forest 🌱 (Rich in nutrients, good for peas)
- Miracle-Gro Potting Mix (Affordable, easy to find)
- Black Gold Organic Potting Soil (Good balance of nutrients)
2. Soil pH for Peas
Peas prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). If your soil is too acidic, add garden lime; if too alkaline, add compost or peat moss.
3. Additional Soil Tips
🌱 Avoid Heavy Clay Soil – It retains too much water and suffocates roots.
💦 Ensure Good Drainage – Use pots with drainage holes.
🪴 Refresh Soil Between Plantings – Replace or amend soil with compost for better yields.
Would you like tips on fertilizers or pest prevention for indoor peas? 😊
Fertilizing & Pest Prevention for Indoor Peas
🌱 Fertilizing Indoor Peas
Peas don’t need heavy fertilization because they fix their own nitrogen. However, a little boost can help them thrive indoors.
✅ Best Fertilizer for Peas
- Low-Nitrogen Fertilizer (5-10-10 or 10-20-10) – Too much nitrogen causes more leaves, fewer peas.
- Organic Options: Compost tea, fish emulsion, or worm castings.
📌 When to Fertilize?
1️⃣ At Planting: Mix compost into the soil.
2️⃣ After Sprouts Appear: Light feeding with diluted organic fertilizer.
3️⃣ When Flowering Begins: Apply phosphorus-rich fertilizer (bone meal or kelp meal).
🚫 Avoid Over-Fertilizing – Too much can cause weak stems & few pods.
🐛 Pest Prevention for Indoor Peas
Even indoors, peas can attract pests like aphids, spider mites, and fungus gnats.
✅ Common Indoor Pests & Solutions
-
Aphids 🛑 (Small green or black bugs on leaves)
- Spray with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Introduce ladybugs if growing in a greenhouse.
-
Spider Mites 🕷 (Tiny webbing on leaves)
- Wipe leaves with a damp cloth regularly.
- Increase humidity with a tray of water near the plants.
-
Fungus Gnats 🦟 (Tiny flying bugs in soil)
- Let the top inch of soil dry before watering.
- Use sticky traps to catch adult gnats.
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on top of the soil.
📌 Extra Tip: Good airflow (small fan) helps prevent pests & mold.
How about Green Onions?
Growing Green Onions from Store-Bought Ones 🌱
Green onions (also called scallions) are one of the easiest vegetables to regrow indoors. You can either regrow from scraps or grow from seeds.
1️⃣ Regrowing Green Onions from Store-Bought Scraps
This is the fastest and easiest method!
✅ What You Need:
- A bunch of green onions (with roots still attached)
- A glass of water or a small pot with soil
📌 Steps:
1️⃣ Cut the Tops – Use the green parts in cooking but leave at least 1-2 inches of the white root base.
2️⃣ Place in Water – Put the root ends in a small glass with water, root-side down.
3️⃣ Change Water Daily – Keep the glass in a sunny spot and change the water every 1-2 days.
4️⃣ Watch Them Grow! – In 5-7 days, new green shoots will appear.
5️⃣ Transplant to Soil (Optional) – Once they’re 4-6 inches tall, move them to a pot with well-draining soil for long-term growth.
🌟 Harvesting:
- Snip off the green parts as needed, leaving the base to regrow.
- They can regrow multiple times before they lose flavor.
2️⃣ Growing Green Onions from Seeds
For a continuous supply, you can also grow green onions from seeds.
✅ Best Green Onion Varieties for Indoors:
- Evergreen Hardy White (Fast-growing, mild flavor)
- Tokyo Long White (Great for pots, tender stalks)
- Parade (High yield, regrows quickly)
📌 Steps:
1️⃣ Choose a Pot – At least 6 inches deep, with drainage holes.
2️⃣ Fill with Soil – Use light, well-draining soil (mix compost + potting mix).
3️⃣ Sow Seeds – Sprinkle seeds ¼ inch deep, 1 inch apart.
4️⃣ Water Gently – Keep soil moist but not soggy.
5️⃣ Provide Light – Place near a sunny window or use grow lights (6-8 hours of light per day).
6️⃣ Thin Seedlings – Once they sprout, thin them to 2 inches apart for better growth.
🌟 Harvesting:
- After 4-6 weeks, cut the green tops and leave the base to regrow.
Extra Tips for Indoor Green Onions:
💦 Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, but don’t overwater.
🌞 Sunlight: At least 6 hours per day (use a grow light if needed).
🌡 Temperature: Prefers 60-75°F (15-24°C) indoors.
✂️ Continuous Harvest: Snip off leaves when they reach 6-8 inches and they’ll regrow!
Would you like help picking the right grow light or soil for green onions? 😊
Best Grow Lights & Soil for Indoor Green Onions 🌱💡
1️⃣ Best Grow Lights for Green Onions
Since green onions need 6-8 hours of light daily, a grow light can help if you lack natural sunlight.
✅ Best Types of Grow Lights:
1️⃣ LED Grow Lights 💡 (Most Efficient)
- Low energy use, lasts long
- Full-spectrum (mimics natural sunlight)
- Examples: Spider Farmer SF1000, GE Full Spectrum LED
2️⃣ Fluorescent Grow Lights (T5 or T8 Bulbs) 🔆
- More affordable, good for leafy greens
- Examples: SunBlaster T5HO, VIVOSUN T5 Grow Light
📌 How to Use Grow Lights for Green Onions:
- Distance: Keep lights 6-12 inches above the plants.
- Duration: Run for 10-12 hours/day (use a timer for consistency).
2️⃣ Best Soil for Green Onions
Green onions need light, well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
✅ Ideal Soil Mix:
- 50% Potting Soil (organic, loose)
- 30% Compost (adds nutrients)
- 20% Perlite or Sand (improves drainage)
📌 Best Pre-Made Potting Mixes:
- FoxFarm Ocean Forest 🌱 (Rich in nutrients)
- Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix (Easy to find)
- Espoma Organic Potting Mix (Good for container gardening)
💡 Extra Tip: If the soil feels compact, mix in perlite or sand to improve aeration.
