Weird Idea - Just Might Work

[MoniDew]

My local grocery store has clamshells of various herbs, still living, roots attached, in the produce department. We buy them for the fabulous freshness they add to our food. I have always loved using the herbs. But I hate throwing the roots away - what a waste! I wondered if I could just plant them. Would they adapt? This time, I bought them, kept them out of the refrigerator for a few hours, and planted them in a window box. Now we wait and see if they take to their new environment. Wish me luck!

[shebear]

It should work. Most herbs are perennials and bareroot plants are kept in the cold until shipped. As long as they didn't get too dehydrated they should bounce back.

Good luck

[Garden Green]

Very cool! I agree with shebear, it should work out just fine.

[Sinfonian]

Not sure if my experience is worth mentioning, but I tried that with basil. I stuck a stem in water and it sprouted roots. Then I planted it outside and it promptly died it may have needed to be potted inside and then hardened off, but I gave up and planted something else. I suggest you keep trying til it works. What have you got to lose?

[shebear]

First thing I learned was that roots that grow in water are not the same as roots that grow in soil. They process mutrients differently so you have to make sure the ones you started in water are wet enough until the roots start working like soil roots. Also you need to keep the plant moist but not too wet. When I root old roses, I mist them and keep them in the shade until they root.

[gardengirl72]

Try it. Let us know what happens.

[plantoneonme]

How is this working out for you so far? Kim

[MoniDew]

I have them in front of my sliding glass patio door, the largest window in the house. It faces south so it gets lots of light. But it has been so freezing that everything is getting a bad draft. All my little plants got too cold. The sun is out today, and warming them back up again. Hopefully, a little something survived on each plant and there will be something salvage-able yet. Will keep you posted.

[gardengirl72]

Any update so far?

[Blossome]

Did this work, I know it works with green onions. But I've never tried the herbs.

[MoniDew]

not very well. My basil died, twice (replanted and tried again.) Lost oregano, tarragon, thyme, and dill. Chives survived (you were right!) and mint. Nothing can kill mint! LOL!

So, my seeds are starting in trays right now and I planted from seed all the things I lost, plus parsley and cilantro. I'm gonna be prayin' these seeds make it. I don't know how to live without herbs!

[plantoneonme]

I did root celery from the cut off end normally composted. It grew stalks and leaves from the very center. It is now large enough to take some leaves to add flavor to food and a small stalk every now and then. Kim