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Growing
Plants in the Classroom
What kind of pots should I use?
What do I do to the seeds?
What
kind of soil should I use?
How deep do I
plant the seeds?
Should I use fertilizer?
Should I buy a Grow-Lamp?
How
often water them?
What about pests?
What kind of pots should I use?
There is no "right" answer to this question! In part, the type
of container depends on the final size of the plant. You want
to
- provide ample room for roots to grow,
- prevent the soil from drying up too fast,
- minimize plant competition by restricting the number of plants
per pot.
Egg containers, cups, film canisters, yogurt cups, coffee cans as well as "real
pots" will work well with most plants. Remember, though, that plants
grow and that you may need to transplant your seedlings if they
grow too big for their containers. Regardless of the container you
end up using, make sure you provide drainage holes for excess water
to seep through (and a means of collecting this water!). Too much
water leads to root rot and may cause plant death.
What do I do to the seeds?
First, check that the seed lot is current, seeds meant for previous years will have low germination rates. Many seeds will germinate faster if you presoak them in a glass of water overnight prior to sowing. However, other seeds require more drastic treatment (acid bath, punctures, etc.) for quick germination, but patience usually works best!
What kind of soil should I use?
Commercial potting soil is good, provides good drainage and often fertilizer, but it is not necessary for success! A mix of equal parts of soil, sand and peat also yields good results.
How deep do I plant the seeds?
Not too deep, not too shallow... Seeds left on the soil surface will dry out; seeds planted too deep will not be able to emerge all the way to the top of the container. A common rule of thumb is to plant the seed to a depth four times its width. Remember, species differ in the number of days it takes for germination to occur!
Should I use fertilizer?
It depends on what you are growing and how long you intend to keep the plant. Fast-Plants are selected for ideal growth under constant light and well fertilized conditions. Beans, grass, corn and other common classroom plants may benefit from an occasional dose of commercial liquid fertilizer, but if your plants look green (rather than yellowish) this may not be necessary.
Should I buy a Grow-Lamp?
If your classroom has no windows, you definitely have a problem since the light conditions are unlikely to promote plant growth. Plants will become spindly (etiolated), searching for light, and may eventually die. There are a variety of commercial light sources and tables that do an adequate job in classrooms, but placing your plants near a window will work fine too. Remember to rotate your pots on a regular basis to prevent them from growing towards your windows.
How often should I water them?
As often as needed... Except for succulents and desert plants, the soil should be kept moist but not soggy. As plants grow, you will find that you will need to water them more frequently. It is not necessary to get the leaves wet, just the soil.
What about pests?
It is very possible that your plants will become infested by white flies, aphids, or other pests. Stay away from pesticides which are noxious to the environment. A good solution is to use a pesticide soap such as Safer's which does not harm humans. A good douse under a running tap may also wash off most pests. Consider affixing a yellow sticky surface near your pots; insects will be attracted to it and stay glued.
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