Imagine never running out of fresh green onions again. Instead of heading to the grocery store, you simply walk over to your windowsill and snip off what you need. Sounds magical, right? The truth is, onions (green) are extremely easy to grow, and you don’t need a big garden or even outdoor space to get started.
I started this simple trick in my small apartment kitchen during winter, and it became one of my favorite gardening hacks. The best part? You get a fresh harvest in just a few days, and it keeps on giving.
Let’s dive into how to grow an endless supply of onions on your windowsill—step by step.
Why Green Onions Are Perfect For Indoor Growing

Unlike many vegetables that require lots of soil, space, or sunlight, green onions adapt beautifully to small containers and indoor environments.
- They grow quickly, often sprouting in just 3–5 days.
- You can harvest repeatedly without replanting.
- They don’t attract pests easily, making them low-maintenance.
Plus, they’re packed with nutrients—vitamin C, K, and antioxidants—making them both practical and healthy.
Step 1: Preparing Your Onion Cuttings
The trick begins at your grocery store. Instead of tossing the scraps, you’ll regrow them.
- Cut the white ends of store-bought green onions, leaving about an inch of the root.
- These roots contain all the energy needed to regenerate.
- Make sure the roots are fresh and not too dry.
I usually save three or four at a time and regrow them together for a fuller supply.
Also Read: Celery Health Benefits: 14 Reasons to Eat It Every Day
Step 2: Setting Up Your Jar
Now, it’s time to create the perfect little indoor garden.
- Place the cuttings in a glass jar or cup.
- Add enough water to cover the roots, but leave the top edges above water.
- Put the jar on a sunny windowsill where they’ll get at least 6 hours of light.
This setup is so simple that even kids love watching the onions grow taller every day.
Step 3: Caring For Your Growing Onions
To keep your onions thriving, you need a little consistency.
- Change the water every 2–3 days to prevent bacteria buildup.
- Make sure the roots are always submerged.
- Trim the tops whenever you need them—they’ll regrow quickly.
If you’d like to take it further, you can transplant them into small pots of soil after a week. But honestly, the water method works perfectly well for endless windowsill harvests.
Step 4: Using Soil for Bigger Harvests
While jars of water are great for quick regrowth, using soil gives your onions extra nutrients.
- Fill a pot with loose, well-draining soil.
- Plant the cuttings just deep enough to cover the roots.
- Keep the soil moist, but never soggy.
With this method, your onions will grow thicker and last longer.
Also Read: How to Grow Turmeric Indoors Easily
Step 5: Light and Temperature
Green onions are hardy, but they still need the right environment.
- A south-facing window works best.
- If natural light is limited, consider using a small grow light.
- They thrive in typical indoor room temperatures, so no extra effort is needed.
Even in the snowy winters of Canada or the northern USA, they grow happily indoors with just a bit of care.
Creative Uses For Your Endless Onions
One of the best parts of this trick is how versatile your fresh onions are.
- Sprinkle chopped greens over soups or stews.
- Add them to omelets, salads, and stir-fries.
- Use them as garnish for almost any dish.
I love that they taste even fresher than store-bought ones, and the fact that I grew them on my own windowsill makes meals feel extra rewarding.
Quick Reference Table
Step |
What To Do |
Key Tip |
1. Prep |
Cut the white ends of store-bought green onions |
Leave 1 inch of root |
2. Setup |
Place in jar with water |
Add enough water to cover the roots but leave tops above water |
3. Care |
Change water every 2–3 days |
Harvest regularly |
4. Soil Option |
Plant in well-draining soil |
Keep soil moist, not soggy |
5. Light |
Place on sunny windowsill |
At least 6 hours daily |
Growing food indoors doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a jar, water, and a sunny spot, you can enjoy an endless supply of onions on your window sill. It’s one of the easiest gardening hacks I’ve ever tried, and it works for anyone, whether you live in a city apartment or a countryside home.
Also Read: Turn a Single Plums Pit into a Thriving Tree—Here’s the Secret
So the next time you buy green onions, don’t throw away the ends. Give them a chance to regrow. In just a few days, you’ll see bright green shoots reaching for the sun—proof that sometimes the simplest tricks are the most rewarding.
🌱 Ready to try this? Grab some onions today and start your windowsill garden—you’ll thank yourself when you never run out of fresh flavor again!