Uses for Old Potatoes

Make Them Into Stamps

• Cut the potatoes in half and carve out a simple shape or design into the flesh. Use a knife to cut away the potato around the shape leaving the design raised up about 1/4 inch. Dip the stamp into some ink or paint. The potato stamp can now make attractive prints on wrapping paper, cards or children's wallpaper.

Use Them as Slug Traps

• Cut the potato in half and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh inside. Place the skins cut side down in your garden. This is an effective way to keep slugs and pests away from your precious vegetable and flowers.

Add to Your Compost Heap

• Chop your old potatoes into small pieces and scatter over the top of your compost pile. As the potatoes are full of nutrients, when they decompose they will make a great addition to your compost heap.

Ammunition for Potato Guns

• Potato, or spud, guns fire small chunks of the potato flesh a short distance. These toys are a safe and fun way for children to play. The barrel of the potato gun is pressed into the potato and when withdrawn has a small chunk of potato in the barrel. Air pressure caused by the blockage increased by the pull of the trigger will fire out the chunk of potato.