Usually, after picking vegetables, we tend to throw away the stems. However, for these types of vegetables, if you plant the stems in the soil, you can have fresh vegetables to eat all year round.

Mong Toi 

Mong Toi is an easy-to-grow vegetable that is resistant to pests and can be propagated from stems. In fact, this method helps the plant grow rapidly. To propagate Mong Toi, choose healthy stems with young leaves or buds.

Plant the stems in a nutrient-rich potting soil, spacing them about 10 cm apart. Place the pot in a shaded area, and when the stems have rooted and new leaves appear, move them outside for further growth. Remember to water the plants well to ensure optimal growth.

Dai 

Dai is a vegetable rich in vitamins and minerals, providing many health benefits. It is also one of the vegetables that can be grown by stem propagation. This method is very effective and does not require much care.

Choose sturdy, healthy Dai plants and cut off any large leaves, leaving the young buds or leaves. Then, soak the stems in water, ensuring the water level is just 2-3 cm above the stem base. After about 10 days, when new roots grow from the stem, plant them in the soil. In about 2-3 weeks, you can harvest the vegetables.

Water Spinach 

Water spinach can be grown either by seeds or stem propagation. You can grow them in a garden bed, pot, or container. To propagate by stem, first remove all leaves from the stem to encourage root growth and faster harvesting.

Plant the water spinach stems about 5 cm deep in the soil, ideally burying 1-2 nodes since roots will emerge from the nodes. Leave the top of the stem exposed, about 10-20 cm above the soil surface. Water the plants regularly and keep them in a shaded spot. Within just a few days, the plants will start to grow well.

Moringa 

Moringa is packed with nutrients and minerals that are good for health. This vegetable can also be propagated using the stem-cutting method. Choose mature, healthy Moringa plants with strong stems. Cut them into pieces around 20 cm long.

Plant the cuttings in the soil at a 45-degree angle, spacing them 25-30 cm apart. Water the plants regularly, and within 20-25 days, the cuttings will take root, and you'll be able to harvest them soon after.

Sweet Potato Leaves

Sweet potato leaves, or "Khoai Lang," are a type of vegetable commonly grown from stem cuttings. Simply choose healthy stems and plant them in the soil. Over time, the stems will quickly take root and develop into healthy plants.

When planting the cuttings, insert them at a 45-degree angle, leaving 2-3 nodes and 3 leaves above the soil to encourage branching. If planting for tubers, space the cuttings 20-30 cm apart. If growing for leaves, you can space them closer, about 10-15 cm apart. After planting, water the cuttings regularly and place them in a cool, shaded area for the best results.

Lotus Leaves 

Lotus leaves are one of the best plants for propagation by stem cutting. Choose healthy stems and cut them into 20-30 cm sections to propagate.

Insert the cuttings into the soil, burying about two-thirds of each stem. Water the plants lightly to keep the soil moist. For the first 15 days, water the plants twice a day. After that, you can water every 2-3 days depending on the weather. Since Lotus plants prefer shade, make sure to place them in a cool area with some cover, away from direct sunlight.

Herbs 

Common herbs like basil, mint, and lemongrass can all be grown quickly using stem cuttings. After using the leaves and soft tops for your meals, you can use the tough, woody stems and leftover leaves to grow new plants. Be sure to place them in a location with moderate sunlight and water them regularly.

Cut the stems into 7-9 cm sections, leaving only the top two leaves or buds. Place the cut stems in a glass of clean water, and you can place them on a sunny windowsill. After one week, new roots will begin to sprout from the base of the stems.