Experimenting at Home with Celery
My journey began with the humble green onion a few weeks ago, a gateway into the world of vegetable regeneration that left me eager for more. I now have enough green onions growing at home that I can skip buying them from the store! Who doesn't like saving money?
Check out my Regenerative Green Onions
Emboldened by success, I ventured into the realm of celery, a vegetable known for its resilience and rapid growth. However, this transition wasn't without its challenges. After a week of sitting in water that I changed every two days and despite clear signs of green shoots thriving, a perplexing snag appeared: the absence of roots. This unexpected twist propelled me on a quest for answers, leading me to a fascinating recommendation—peeling off the outer layers of the celery base to encourage root growth.
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| Celery One week in water - no visible roots |
This discovery was too significant to keep to myself. It underscored the essence of regenerative farming: a continuous learning process, embracing both successes and setbacks. Thus, I was inspired to create this post, sharing not only the hurdle I encountered but also the innovative solution that promises a new lease on life for my celery scraps.
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| Celery week two - roots starting to sprout |
Why Celery?
In the world of sustainable living and regenerative farming, the practice of regrowing vegetables from scraps has gained considerable attention. Among the various vegetables that lend themselves to this practice, celery is a popular choice due to its simplicity and the rapid growth of new shoots. However, many enthusiasts find themselves at a crossroads when their celery, placed in water to regenerate, sprouts green shoots but fails to develop roots, like me.
Adding a twist to this process, some suggest peeling off the outer layers of the celery base. But does this method help or hinder the regeneration process? I decided to try it out.
The Basics of Celery Regeneration
Regenerating celery involves placing the base of the plant in water, ensuring it receives adequate sunlight, and waiting for roots to form before transplanting it into soil. This method aligns with regenerative farming principles, focusing on sustainability and the minimization of waste. However, patience is key, as roots may take time to develop.
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| Celery week three - lots of roots, time to plant |
Steps for Successful Celery Regeneration
Water Depth
Keep the base of the celery submerged in about an inch of water, changing it every one to two days to maintain cleanliness.
Lighting
Place the celery in a spot with plenty of indirect sunlight while rooting.
Rooting Hormone (Optional)
If roots are slow to appear, consider using a rooting hormone to encourage growth - I haven't used something like this but would love to hear if you have had success with it!
Transplanting
Once roots are about an inch long, move the celery to a pot with rich, organic soil and ensure good drainage. I'm starting in smaller pot to start to ensure that it doesn't go into shock or die before using a larger pot.
Ongoing Care
Maintain moist soil and provide indirect sunlight to start, along with occasional organic fertilizer applications (my soil that I use is organic and apparently has three months of nutrients). I moved my little plant outside after a week to ensure that it was still living for the spring/summer.
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| Celery planted week three into a pot |
How many plants?
Peeling Off the Outer Layers: A Helpful Hack?
The unconventional advice of peeling off the celery's outer layers before submerging it in water is worth examining and it seemed to work for my first celery (photos above) I think that I was a bit impatient now that I see it is weeks to get roots so I am skipping it for my second and third attempt. This method can potentially stimulate growth by removing any barriers to regeneration. However, it's not without its risks.
Benefits
Faster Growth
Exposing the tender inner parts might encourage quicker sprouting - within a few days I saw tiny roots coming when I tried it.
Disease Prevention
Removing damaged or rotting outer layers can prevent disease spread. On my second celery two of the outer layers fell off after 5 days in their own.
Risks
Plant Stress
Aggressive peeling can shock the plant, potentially delaying growth. This is why I am avoiding peeling them off for the second and third celery I have in water.
Increased Vulnerability
Without its natural protective layers, the celery base may be more susceptible to rotting. For me I didn't see this happening, but I can't see into the dirt now that it has been planted - it is all an experiment.
Best Practices
Gentle Handling
If you choose to peel, do so carefully to minimize stress on the plant. I peeled off any of the layers that were falling down into the water away from the base.
Regular Monitoring
Watch for signs of new growth or rot, adjusting care as needed. Thankfully changing the water every day I didn't see any issues come up. I would have peeled off anything that looked like it was rotting though.
Patience and Support
Be patient and provide support for the celery base to stay upright in water. The upright tip is huge, I have had to cut my celery on an angle to match the base to stay up in the water, same as my lettuce that I am starting as they tip over so easily.
Celery A Sustainable Journey
Regenerating celery from scraps is more than a gardening trick; it's a step towards sustainable living and an embrace of regenerative farming practices. Whether or not you choose to peel the outer layers, the key lies in providing the right conditions for growth: clean water, sufficient light, and eventually, nutrient-rich soil. Through patience and care, you can turn a simple celery base into a thriving plant, reducing waste and contributing to a healthier planet.
Remember, every attempt at regeneration, successful or not, is a learning experience and a step forward in our collective journey towards sustainability. Happy gardening!
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