# How to Grow Bok Choy Indoors from Kitchen Scraps
If you’ve ever chopped up bok choy for a stir-fry and wondered, “Can I grow this again?” the answer is a resounding yes! Regrowing bok choy from kitchen scraps is not only easy, but it’s also a fun and sustainable way to save money and reduce food waste. Plus, it’s a great project to do with kids. My youngest calls it “plant recycling,” which feels pretty accurate - and kind of adorable.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the entire process of growing bok choy indoors, step by step. Whether you’re a curious beginner or just someone who loves bok choy a little too much (guilty), you’ll be amazed at how quickly those scraps can turn into fresh, leafy greens. Let’s get started!
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## What You’ll Need
Before we jump into the process, here’s what you’ll need to regrow bok choy indoors:
- Bok choy scraps (the base of the plant with 1–2 inches intact)
- A shallow dish or bowl
- Clean water
- A sunny windowsill or grow lights
- Pot and well-draining, nutrient-rich soil (for transplanting)
- Optional: Liquid fertilizer (balanced, like 10-10-10)
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## Step-by-Step Guide to Regrowing Bok Choy
Here’s the play-by-play on how to regrow bok choy from kitchen scraps:
### 1. Save the Base of Your Bok Choy
After using the leafy tops for cooking, save the bottom base of the bok choy. Leave about 1–2 inches intact. Don’t toss it in the compost - that little nub is about to become a plant again!
### 2. Place It in Water
Fill a shallow dish or bowl with clean water. Place the bok choy base cut-side up, ensuring that only the bottom is submerged in water. This avoids rot and gives the plant a chance to sprout new roots and leaves.
- **Pro tip**: Change the water every 1–2 days to keep it fresh and bacteria-free. Trust me, stale water smells... unpleasant. Let’s not go there.
### 3. Keep It in Bright, Indirect Light
Place the dish near a sunny windowsill or under grow lights. Bok choy loves light, so aim for 6–8 hours a day. Within 3–5 days, you’ll start seeing new leaves and tiny roots forming. It’s like plant magic - except it’s science.
### 4. Transplant to Soil
Once the bok choy has developed roots and leaves (usually within 7–10 days), it’s time to give it a proper home. Choose a pot with drainage holes and fill it with well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. A mix of compost, peat moss, and perlite works great. Plant the bok choy base in soil so that the roots are covered, but the new leaves are above the surface.
- **Pro tip**: Keep the soil slightly acidic (pH 6.0–7.5) for optimal growth. Bok choy isn’t picky, but it does have preferences.
### 5. Water and Watch It Grow
Water the plant whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Be consistent, but don’t overdo it - nobody likes root rot. Place the pot in a bright spot, and continue providing 6–8 hours of light daily.
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## Caring for Your Indoor Bok Choy
Bok choy is a fast-growing plant, and if you give it the right conditions, it’ll reward you with fresh, leafy greens in 30–50 days. Here’s how to keep it happy:
1. **Light**: Bright, indirect sunlight or direct sunlight for 6–8 hours daily. A sunny windowsill or grow lights work great indoors.
2. **Water**: Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch feels dry.
3. **Temperature**: Bok choy prefers cool conditions (60–75°F). Avoid placing it near heat sources, as high temperatures can cause bolting (premature flowering).
4. **Fertilizer**: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks to encourage healthy growth. Don’t overdo it - too much fertilizer can make the leaves bitter.
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## Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Growing bok choy indoors is beginner-friendly, but you might encounter a few hiccups along the way. Here’s how to tackle them:
### Yellow Leaves
- **Cause**: Overwatering or nutrient deficiency.
- **Solution**: Check soil moisture and reduce watering if it’s soggy. Use a balanced fertilizer to replenish nutrients.
### Brown Tips or Edges
- **Cause**: Low humidity or inconsistent watering.
- **Solution**: Increase humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier. Keep watering consistent.
### Bolting
- **Cause**: High temperatures or stress.
- **Solution**: Keep the plant in a cool environment (60–75°F) and avoid temperature fluctuations.
### Pests
- **Common Culprits**: Aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
- **Solution**: Spray the leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Check your plant regularly and remove pests manually when possible.
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## Why Grow Bok Choy Indoors?
Aside from the satisfaction of regrowing your food (and showing off your garden skills), there are plenty of reasons to grow bok choy indoors:
- **Sustainability**: Regrowing bok choy reduces food waste and makes the most of what you’ve already bought.
- **Health Benefits**: Bok choy is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus calcium and antioxidants.
- **Cultural Connection**: Bok choy is a staple in Asian cuisine, and regrowing it at home can bring a little taste of tradition to your kitchen. My dad always says, “You can never have too much bok choy.” He’s not wrong.
- **Kid-Friendly Project**: Watching bok choy regrow is a fun, hands-on activity for kids. My kids love seeing the “plant recycling” process in action.
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## Conclusion: A Taste of Sustainability
Growing bok choy indoors from kitchen scraps is one of those feel-good projects that combines sustainability, gardening, and delicious results. It’s easy, rewarding, and doesn’t require fancy equipment or years of experience. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce kids to gardening (and maybe sneak some greens into their dinner).
So the next time you chop up bok choy for a meal, don’t toss the base - give it a second life! Who knows, it might just become your favorite new gardening habit.
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## What’s Next?
Ready to take your indoor gardening game to the next level? Check out my post on growing green onions from scraps - another easy, beginner-friendly project that’ll keep your kitchen stocked with fresh ingredients. Or, try regrowing Thai basil for a fragrant addition to your home herb garden!
Happy growing!
Editor’s Notes
Changes Made
- Improved sentence flow and readability throughout.
- Enhanced the introduction and conclusion for stronger hooks and closure.
- Added minor clarifications to care instructions (e.g., light requirements, water changes).
- Adjusted tone to maintain warmth and accessibility while keeping it conversational.
- Tightened language in the “Common Problems” section for clarity and brevity.
Fact Check
- ✅ All plant care info verified against the research brief.
- ⚠️ No concerns; all details align with the brief.
Content Mission Compliance
- Voice: Authentic, warm, and conversational with a sprinkle of dad humor.
- Accessibility: Beginner-friendly and actionable with no jargon.
- Cultural Perspective: Naturally incorporated through anecdotes and references to Asian cuisine.
- Honesty: Acknowledges challenges like pests and bolting, offering practical solutions.
Recommendations
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