Find sugar cane growing on grass, dirt, sand, or red sand next to water
Collect sugar cane by breaking the stalks
Place sugar cane on a block directly beside water
Make sure the sugar cane is planted on grass, dirt, sand, or red sand
Keep at least one water source block adjacent to the planting block
Wait for the sugar cane to grow to full height
Break the top and middle sections while leaving the bottom block planted
Replant any removed bottom blocks if needed
Use bone meal only if playing a version or mod that allows it
Build a simple farm with long rows of water and planting blocks
Harvest regularly to keep the farm producing
Expand the farm by adding more rows next to water
Use hoppers and chests for automatic collection if desired