Don't throw away the root end of your produce, it can be regrown! - Part 3 - Romaine Lettuce

Regrow Romaine Lettuce

How many times have you cut up a head of Romaine, gobbled up the good part, and then tossed the remaining parts? 

Have you ever heard about, tried or maybe considered replanting the root to see what happens? It actually works! A root is even better than a seed, because it is the seed after it did a lot of work. By the way, the root never stops working, even on weekends. People replant all the time with green onions.

I usually start a Romaine root off in water, for convenience, but then i quickly move it over to soil.  The water is convenient because when I am cutting up lettuce, and thus eating food, I do not want to be playing with dirt too. Here's why I like soil better though for long term benefit:

• Water has only two basic nutrients, Oxygen and Hydrogen, with trace amounts of other minerals.
• Tap water, as opposed to well water may also contain Chlorine and Fluorine, both in highly toxic amounts.
• Soil has many of the plant specific nutrients ready to go. (I never use Miracle Grow or other things like that, but you do what you are comfortable with.)

Note: If you have a well  or public water, please always take the time to filter your plant water first, just like you would if you were drinking the water yourself, because eventually, if you think about it, you will be. 

This is a from a Romaine root that is a few weeks old. Notice that it is unbelievably tasty and crisp. It is outside, but not in a garden. It is in a pot right by my front door. If you plant lettuce in an un-fenced garden, then every woodchuck in town will receive a text message that "there be lettuce". When they are done with it the plant will still be rooted, but will look like it was weed whacked. See, even animals believe in re-purposing.

Here is a shot of several roots at work in different stages of growth. The two in the front right were planted the same day, where as the leafier ones are a few weeks old. That is FREE FOOD! Notice too that although the plants are indoors, I have them right by a South facing window with plenty of light.

In Conclusion

This is not only a great way to save a few dollars, but it is enriching as well. Plus, never discount the positive effect that several small green plants can have on a person's physiology inside a closed up home in the dead of winter.  Those little guys pump out the oxygen 24/7.  You should notice a higher level of energy, etc. Plus, rumor has it that the body actually enjoys seeing the color green as often as possible.

So why should you spend money on plants, and then more money on food, when instead you can regrow lettuce and have your free plants become your free food?