From Seed to Seed:
Plant Science for K-8 Educators

 

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D. Planting Materials

Since the majority of the activities recommended in this course involve gardening-either indoors or out-you will need to stock your classroom with the appropriate supplies. To save space in the activities, we have simply inserted the words "planting materials" in the "Necessary Materials" section when these supplies are needed. Below, we provide wish lists for gardening in the classroom and in the schoolyard. TREAT THEM AS WISH LISTS! They are comprehensive; however, you need not have everything on the list to begin your gardening experience. In the Helpful Hints section, we provide some cost-effective alternatives for some items on these lists.

Wish List for Classroom Gardening

  • Pots of various sizes. Small pots or potting trays are best for starting seeds.
  • Soilless mix-a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, and fertilizer-to germinate seeds. These mixes are lightweight and sterile to provide optimal conditions for germination.
  • Potting soil.
  • Fertilizer, compost, or manure. Adding compost or manure to your soil provides nutrients for the soil and enhances the soil structure. Fertilizers provide nutrients only to the plants.
  • Large plastic bucket. Moisten your soilless mix or potting soil before using. Place soil in the bucket and add warm water in small amounts until the soil is moist, but not drenched.
  • Kitchen plastic wrap to keep soil surrounding germinating seeds moist.
  • Potting labels to identify plants.
  • Fluorescent grow lights, which provide the closest thing to sunlight for indoor plants.
  • Adjustable setup so distance between plants and fluorescent lights can be adjusted as the plants grow.
  • Water source.
  • Spray bottle to keep seed-containing soil moist and to water young seedlings.
  • Watering can for larger plants.
  • Seeds recommended in activity.

You can also consult the National Gardening Association's GrowLab: A Complete Guide to Gardening in the Classroom. (Copyright 1988 by the Knox Parks Foundation, 150 Walbridge Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06119 and the National Gardening Association, 1100 Dorset Street, South Burlington, Vermont 05403).

Wish List for Schoolyard Gardening

  • Small pots or potting trays to start seeds.
  • Soilless mix-a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, and fertilizer-to germinate seeds. These mixes are lightweight and sterile to provide optimal conditions for germination.
  • Kitchen plastic wrap to keep soil surrounding germinating seeds moist.
  • Fluorescent grow lights, which provide the closest thing to sunlight for germinating seeds.
  • Gloves.
  • Shovels/spades to completely turn the garden over at the beginning of the season.
  • Iron rake.
  • Hoe.
  • Hand trowels.
  • Fertilizer, compost, or manure. Adding compost or manure to your soil provides nutrients for the soil and enhances the soil structure. Fertilizers provide nutrients only to the plants.
  • Water source.
  • Hose or watering can.
  • Plant labels.
  • Stakes to mark garden rows.
  • Twine to connect stakes and create garden row.
  • Seeds recommended in activity.

To gather your gardening supplies, we recommend that you visit your local garden supply store or purchase them online. Here are some online gardening sources:

Kidsgardening Store http://store.yahoo.com/nationalgardening/

Gardener's Supply Company www.gardeners.com

Planet Garden www.planetgarden.com

Gemplar's www.gemplers.com

 

 

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