- 1). Use a wide-mouth glass jar at least 10 inches deep. Paint the outside of the glass using a dark color, leaving an unpainted strip all the way down one side, so you can monitor the water levels. The dark paint also keeps the sunlight from changing the water containing nutrients and prevents algae from growing in your plant.
- 2). Cut an egg-sized piece of your Irish potato with at least one eye or bud on it using a vegetable knife. If you use your own Irish potato from the grocery store, be aware that grocery stores may treat potatoes with sprout inhibitors -- these will not grow in your water container. Use organic potatoes from a reputable garden supply center to ensure the potato does not contain diseases.
- 3). Keep the Irish potato start or "seed piece" in a dark, humid place for one to two days to heal the cut. This prevents the potato seed piece from rotting. Ensure the dark room has plenty of ventilation.
- 4). Insert toothpicks partially into and around your potato seed piece spaced evenly, so your seed piece has toothpicks sticking out.
- 5). Fill your container with water and place the side of the seed piece with buds partially emerged into the water. The toothpicks will support the seed piece along the jar rim. Move your container to a sunny location.
- 6). Pour out the water after one week and refill the container with fresh water. Add plant food to the fresh water, using an all-purpose plant food that says "water soluble" on the label.
- 7). Keep the glass jar filled with water and add plant food once each month. Watch your Irish potato vines grow.
- 8). Choose between a number of different leak proof containers, if desired, including stoneware and metal containers when the root system fills the mason jar and you need to replant the Irish potato vines in a larger container. Prevent corrosion of metal containers by painting the inside with asphalt emulsion.
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