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How to Grow Root Vegetables in Water for a Science Experiment

The concept of growing root vegetables in soil is common knowledge, but kids may not realize that root vegetables can start to sprout in water, too. For a science experiment, show others how to grow a root vegetable, such as a potato, in a container of water. The factors that make this experiment successful have to do with environment, such as lighting and the root vegetable's position in the water. By the end of the experiment, you will notice the vegetable's new root system taking form in the water.

Things You'll Need

Potato or other root vegetable
Toothpicks
Clear glass jar
Water

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the existing sprouts on the potato. The sprouts grow from the eyes of the potato. Stick four toothpicks into the potato on the end with the most sprouts.
- 2
  Put the potato into a clear glass jar, with the toothpicks facing down. The end without toothpicks sticks up toward the top of the glass jar. The jar needs to be clear so that you can see the root system develop.
- 3
  Fill the glass jar with enough water to submerge the bottom half of the potato. The toothpicks hold the potato up, supporting it so that the entire potato doesn't sink into the water.
- 4
  Set the jar in a direct light source, such as near a window or skylight. Monitor the experiment for three or four weeks, adding more water as the water level decreases. By this time, you should start to see the root system develop, and new leaves will sprout from the potato.

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