Select a glass or jar with an opening that has a diameter slightly larger than the widest section of your potato.
Orient the potato in a vertical fashion with its narrowest end pointing downward.
Insert four toothpicks, 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, around the middle of the potato in a cross-shaped formation.
Place the potato in the mouth of the jar or glass so the potato is supported by the toothpicks resting on the rim of the jar.
Fill the jar or glass with fresh water until half of the potato is submerged.
Put the jar or glass on a sunny windowsill. Roots and sprouts typically begin to emerge within 10 days.