How to Start a Potato Plant in Water

Starting a potato plant from scratch can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you're interested in growing your own food. With a little bit of patience, creativity and a few basic supplies, you can start your own potato plant at home using just water, soil and a few potato scraps.

What You'll Need

Before you get started, you'll need a few key supplies. First, gather a few potatoes that are past their prime, but not completely rotten. You'll also need a clear glass or jar, toothpicks, a shallow dish or tray, and some potting soil. Once you have these items, you're ready to start your potato plant in water.

Steps to Start

1. First, cut your potato into quarters or smaller pieces. Be sure to leave at least two or three eyes on each piece. These eyes are where the new sprouts will grow from.

2. Now, take your glass or jar and fill it with about two inches of water. Take each potato piece and insert a few toothpicks around the sides of the potato, about halfway up. Place the toothpicks on the rim of the glass or jar, so that the potato pieces are suspended in the water, but not fully submerged.

3. Leave your potato plant in the water and place it in a warm, sunny spot. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and oxygenated. After a few weeks, you should start to see new sprouts emerging from the eyes of the potato pieces.

4. Once your potato sprouts are about 3-4 inches tall, carefully remove them from the toothpicks and gently plant them in soil. Be sure to cover the entire sprout, but leave a bit of green poking out of the soil. Keep the soil damp and continue to water your potato plant regularly.

5. As your potato plant grows, it will eventually produce tubers beneath the soil. Check on your plant regularly for signs of growth and be sure to harvest your potatoes when the foliage starts to die back in the fall.

Tips for Success

-Be patient! Growing a potato plant takes time and it may be several weeks before you see any new growth.

-Choose a warm, sunny spot for your potato plant. Potatoes need plenty of light to grow well.

-Change the water in your glass or jar every few days to keep it fresh and oxygenated.

-If you notice any mold or rot on your potato plant, remove that piece and replace it with a fresh one.

-When planting your potato sprouts in soil, use a loose, well-draining potting mix to help promote healthy growth.

-Water your potato plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to rot and disease.

With a little bit of effort and care, you can start your own potato plant in water and enjoy fresh, homegrown potatoes in no time!