Planting Tubers — Easy Steps for a 6-year-old
Tubers are little plant parts that grow into new plants (like potatoes or dahlias). Let's plant one together — it will be fun to watch it sprout!
What you need
- 1 tuber (potato, dahlia tuber, or sweet potato) — an adult helps pick it
- A small pot or a spot in the garden
- Potting soil or garden soil
- A small trowel or spoon
- A watering can with a little water
- An adult to help you
Step-by-step planting (with an adult)
- Fill the pot: Put soil in the pot until it's about 2/3 full.
- Make a hole: Use your hand or the spoon to make a hole as deep as your thumb (about 2–3 inches) for small tubers. For bigger tubers, ask the adult how deep.
- Put the tuber in: Place the tuber in the hole. If it has little bumps or "eyes," try to put those facing up. If you’re not sure, just put it gently on the soil.
- Cover it up: Sprinkle soil over the tuber so it is lightly covered.
- Give it a drink: Water a little so the soil is moist but not puddly.
- Place in the sun: Put the pot in a sunny spot or a warm place in the garden.
Care after planting
- Check the soil every few days. If the top looks dry, water a little.
- In 1–3 weeks you should see small green shoots coming up — yay!
- When the plant grows taller, you might add more soil around the stem (adults help with this). This helps potatoes grow more tubers.
- Be patient and watch it grow. Draw a picture each week of how it looks!
Harvest time (when to dig up)
When the plant’s leaves turn yellow and start to fall over (or after the flowers finish), an adult can help dig under the soil to find the tubers. Be gentle so you don't hurt them.
Safety
Always have an adult help with cutting, digging deep holes, or handling tools.
Fun idea
Keep a small calendar and write the day you planted. Check every few days and draw the plant. You will see how your tuber becomes a real plant!
Good luck — have fun planting and watching your tuber grow!