How to grow water chestnuts

The name might suggest it’s a nut, but the water chestnut is actually the corm (a swollen underground stem) of a plant that grows on the water’s edge. Native to swampy tropical parts of Asia, it’s prized for its crisp texture and sweet, chestnut-like flavour, making it a popular addition to dim sims, soups, stir-fries and even drinks. While canned water chestnuts are readily available year-round, fresh ones are much harder to find. That’s why I grow my own – for the ultimate garden-to-table experience. As the garden shakes off winter’s chill, spring is the perfect time to plant water chestnuts for a bountiful harvest in autumn.
In nature, water chestnuts thrive in bogs, swamps and mudflats along the edges of waterways, but you certainly don’t need a backyard wetland to grow them yourself. A watertight container works just as well. Select a container that’s at least 20-30cm deep, our try one of the ideas below:

UPCYCLE YOUR CONTAINER – AND GROW!

• Cast iron bathtub – plug the drain and you’re ready to grow.
• Round 30–50cm resin pot – use one without drainage holes.
• Kids’ clamshell sandpit – it has the perfect depth for a generous autumn harvest.
• Plain old bucket (or 10!) – this is a simple, portable solution for small-space gardeners.

For all the nuts and bolts on water chestnuts, plus advice on growing, harvesting, storage and use, get your copy of our September issue – out now!