How to Grow Potatoes in Water With Hydroponics

A common misconception is that an apartment-dweller can't have a vegetable garden because of the lack of a traditional garden to plant in. However, hydroponic systems allow urban gardeners to grow vegetables like potatoes just about anywhere, so long as they have window boxes or enough space on a balcony. Relative to other vegetables, potatoes are a forgiving plant to grow, making them suitable as a starter plant for a hydroponic garden.

Plastic container
Drill
Perlite
Transparent lid
20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer
10-10-20 water-soluble fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the potato seeds into sections, each about the size of an egg and containing 2 or 3 buds ("eyes"). Put the seed cuttings in a cool, dark place for 1 or 2 days before planting.
- 2
  Prepare a plastic tray or basket to serve as a hydroponic pot by drilling drainage holes around the sides. Set the holes 2 inches apart in a line running 2 inches from the bottom of the tray.
- 3
  Fill the container up to about 1 inch from the top rim with perlite, and set the container outside for a full day in the direct sunshine, so as to soak up at least six hours of full sun.
- 4
  Soak the perlite with water until it starts to trickle out of the drainage holes.
- 5
  Push the potato cuttings down into the perlite, so that 1 inch of perlite covers them. Space the potato seed cuttings about 6 inches apart.
- 6
  Cover your hydroponic pot with a transparent plastic lid until the sprouts appear after two weeks. This step conserves water.
- 7
  Water the plants with a mix of water and plant food every 3 to 5 days, unless it rains. Mix 1 teaspoon of 20-20-20 fertilizer per gallon of water into your watering solution until the sprouts are about 18 inches tall. At that point, switch to a high potassium, 10-10-20 mixture.
- 8
  Harvest the potatoes between 70 and 90 days after planting.

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