Heidi's Summer Science Project

[Heidi]

So I mentioned in this thread that I save the green onion bulb leftovers and then put them in a glass with water and continue to use/grow them throughout the year.

Both LG and Janine mentioned they were interested in trying it, too. I think this could be a fun summer science project for TC.

So, here's what you need:

- the leftover bulbs (roots intact) of a bunch of green onions (cut 1 1/2-2 in from the end of the bulb)

- clear glass cup or mug

- fresh water

That's all you need.

Place the bulbs roots-down in the glass. Pour enough water to cover the bulb portion of the bunch. Place the glass in partial-full sunlight indoors. ( prefer indoors because the ants and other critters like to eat them. :(

Replace the water when it starts to look cloudy. You will have green onions replenishing themselves all summer long.

This is an adventure in discovery for us!

What I've learned so far:

They sprout 3-4 cm/day in partial sunlight, even on a cloudy day. From what I remember, they grow even faster in full sunlight.

Okay, so now... please post pictures of your progress & use. :)

[Lobstergirl, el principe]

I have them in the cup but some of them want to go sideways instead of vertical. I also cut shorter than you recommended, I left about 1/2 inch of white.

Pour enough water to cover the bulb portion of the bunch.

So the part where the sprouting will emerge is above the water line, right?

[Heidi]

Lobstergirl wrote: "I have them in the cup but some of them want to go sideways instead of vertical. I also cut shorter than you recommended, I left about 1/2 inch of white.

Pour enough water to cover the bulb porti..."

Yes, ma'am. I rest mine against the outside of the glass, line 'em up against the wall. I've never had any going sideways, so let me know what happens to them.

[Sally, la reina]

So we're talking about a centimeter of water, non? I'm gonna try it too.

[Lobstergirl, el principe]

Sally wasn't going to do it if it was more than one centimeter.

[Sally, la reina]

Well, we can't be wasting resources now, can we?

[Heidi]

Sally wrote: "So we're talking about a centimeter of water, non? I'm gonna try it too."

About an inch of water...

[janine]

I bought some today. I wasn't sure if I had the right kind at first, but I googled it and they look like the picture. I have eight of them, in three different locations.

[janine]

It's been less than four hours and they're already growing!

I used the stems of two or three of them to make a salad.

What you need:

- Couscous
- Green onions (one per person)
- Tomatoes (one per person)
- Feta
- One clove of garlic (one per two persons)
- Olive oil

Prepare couscous as usual. Dice, cut, crush everything as needed. Throw in couscous, add splash of olive oil. Can be eaten hot or cold or anywhere in between.

[Heidi]

Mine have grown about an inch since Sunday... so an inch in 3 days. :)

[Lobstergirl, el principe]

I think mine are troubled. One of them has a sprout about 0.001 mm tall. I've changed the water once.

[Phil]

Heidi wrote: "Mine have grown about an inch since Sunday."

TWSS?

[janine]

Progress after a week of growing:

- the onions in hardly any sun at all grew an average of 8.5 cm (3.3 inches)
- the onions in some sunlight grew an average of 13.5 cm (5.3 inches)

[janine]

Lobstergirl wrote: "I think mine are troubled. One of them has a sprout about 0.001 mm tall. I've changed the water once."

I change it every day.

Maybe yours needs to see a therapist.

[Heidi]

janine wrote: "Lobstergirl wrote: "I think mine are troubled. One of them has a sprout about 0.001 mm tall. I've changed the water once."

I change it every day.

Maybe yours needs to see a therapist."

You said you were going to put yours in a plastic cup instead of a glass one... do you think that might make the difference?

[Heidi]

I cut mine on Sunday. The shoots were top-heavy and they were starting to bend. :) It's growing again... of course. Also, the roots have grown about an inch... has anyone else noticed root growth?

[Heidi]

UGH!!!! I wish I could take pictures that I can post here.

[Sally, la reina]

I started mine two days ago and they are already an inch nearly.

[Heidi]

BunWat wrote: "Why can't you?"

My phone doesn't have internet email service. New service provider... :(

[Lobstergirl, el principe]

One of mine died but the rest are doing well. They have, on average, about 2 inches of new growth.

[Lobstergirl, el principe]

I had to abort the project. The roots were rotting and stinking. I harvested the shoots, which had reached about 2 inches.

[Heidi]

Lobstergirl wrote: "I had to abort the project. The roots were rotting and stinking. I harvested the shoots, which had reached about 2 inches."

I'm sorry it didn't work for you, LG. :(