Chinese water chestnuts can be purchased as an asian market.

Chinese water chestnut is an invasive species in some areas so you may not be able to find plants in nurseries. They are very easy from asian market purchased water chestnuts

I used to grow rice from brown rice I purchased in the grocery store. Medium grain would work best in cooler areas. Rice grows best in temps over 75F - medium grain is a little less finicky than long grain.

I also recommend growing chinese arrowhead - very attractive (and an edible) --- it prefers a bog

The only Asian market in my area quit carrying fresh water chestnuts.

All of the online nurseries are alot more expensive than the grocery store, so far.

I like arrowhead, but don't have room for much rice.