Second-Chance Garden

I’d like to share some stories about plants I’ve “rescued” from discount corners or managed to re-grow in different ways.
It’s a bit late today, so I’ll just open the thread now — tomorrow I’ll start posting about scallions, moth orchids, and Inca lilies.
Feel free to share your own lovely experiences, too.

They look great!

First of all, scallion

It's difficult to keep them alive on the shelf, so most of the time, they will go to the 50% discount about one hour before the discounters close.

Why not?

I will cut 1.5-2" for regrow

I usually store most of them in the freezer.

Then, they regrow.

You can enjoy 2-3 decent harvests


Meanwhile, based on the varieties, some can offer nice amount of small to mid-size fresh onions.

Some of them will flower anyway - good for pollinators


I collected the seed heads like this, eventually all the debris will decompose.

In fact, I collected seed heads from chives in the past and directly planted them already. This is the first time I tried with scallions/green onion/spring onion.


Lazy person lazy way

See you in about two weeks? (this was done on Aug 5th)
Well, as the seeds are fresh, I can't find any reason why this method won't work - it should work like this in the nature?


If it works, I will have tons of scallions!

Oh the lovely tiny green signals!

Three weeks later, almost time to transplant.
I am not too worried about too many seedlings - before transplanting, just seperate them roughly.


So far, it's a full cycle using store-bought scallion - minimum cost, maximum output.

Phaedra said:

In fact, I collected seed heads from chives in the past and directly planted them already. This is the first time I tried with scallions/green onion/spring onion.
View attachment 77400

Lazy person lazy way
View attachment 77401
See you in about two weeks? (this was done on Aug 5th)
Well, as the seeds are fresh, I can't find any reason why this method won't work - it should work like this in the nature?
View attachment 77402

If it works, I will have tons of scallions!
View attachment 77403
Oh the lovely tiny green signals!
View attachment 77404
Three weeks later, almost time to transplant.
I am not too worried about too many seedlings - before transplanting, just seperate them roughly.
View attachment 77405

So far, it's a full cycle using store-bought scallion - minimum cost, maximum output.

Click to expand...

Great tip; I should try it!

I grew an avocado tree from a seed from an avocado I got from the store. Maybe I will post about it later.

Some rescue are easier - from time to time, there will be free plants that Lidl puts outside and whoever wants them can bring back.

Last year, we brought back two moth orchids, and they are doing mega well in our living room - tons and tons of flowers from July till now.

This year, the first plant we got free is this Hydrangea - we know it's still pretty alive.


A bucket of water with one spoon of seaweed extrack, plus 24-hour soaking (at a place without direct sunlight) is a proper remedy.


Hey kid, welcome back - then, i trimmed all damaged leaves and spent flowers


It's a lovely rescue, and I will transplant it next spring - for this winter, it will stay in the greenhouse with a bit more care.

Some rescues can be pretty productive -- two miniature roses from another discounter, 30% off.

Simple preparation - soil (yes, dug out by a diligent mole) , compost, some slow release fertilizer, perlite, and vermiculite
Usually, they pack 4-5 rooted stems in one pot and create such a full blossoming vibe. As a gardener who is more interested in growing perennials for seasonal interests - how does the plant look like doesn't matter too much for me.


However, I know it's impossible for them to thrive while staying in such a tiny pot and competing with each other. Even they are miniature roses, they can be little monsters (?), and I prefer to see them that way.



I will also remove weak and cross stems - to release some space for better ventilation.

Okay, now it's ready to move in its own apartment.

As their roots are already well developed, i didn't remove the flowers immediately - also to enjoy the lovely blossoms for a while.

Besides, they can stay where with direct sunlight (prefer morning light, afternoon shade) like other roses.


A few weeks later, I removed all spent flowers and trimmed them back a little.


The roots keep growing - good sign. I might transplant them near the small water feature in front of my cafe later.

if anything a rescue might be worth it just for the potting soil.

I recently bought a bunch of discount plants from Walmart. I’ll post pictures later.