Indoor Growing (GrowLab, hydroponics, greenhouses)

Question: We would like to explore hydroponics with our kids. What types of systems are there and how do we get started? We got the idea from our fish tank.

Question: We've planted carrot tops and dyed celery. What else can we do with vegetables from the grocery store?

Question: My son has designed a science fair experiment to compare plant growth using different amounts of fertilizer. He plans to water one plant with plain water, one with fertilizer at half strength, one with fertilizer at full strength, and one with fertilizer at double strength. Do you have any suggestions for improving the design?

Question: For my daughter's science fair project, she wants to compare plants grown with classical music playing and plants grown with rock music. There don't seem to be any definitive scientific studies on this subject. Can you help?

Question: My kids wanted to start root vegetables in peat pots indoors. Can we do that?

Question: My son wants to grow tomatoes and other vegetables, but we live in an apartment. Can you give us any tips?

Answer: The first order of business for any vegetable garden is location, location, location. If you can provide a site that gets sunshine most of the day, you'll have a successful crop whether you garden in containers or directly in the ground.

Here are some keys to successful container gardening:

Question: Is there a systematic way to start seeds indoors with my class?

Answer: Mix and moisten the potting soil all at once and fill the containers so that the planting pots contain the same mixture. Measure the mix and water consistently. If possible, use containers that are all the same size, too. This will help standardize seeding, watering,and transplanting.

Question: Do you have any helpful hints for very small children planting seeds indoors?

Answer: It's always nice to have a mature plant or photos of mature plants to show before you plant the seeds, and if possible, a seed pod or seed head from the actual plant you are planting. Showing this connection between plant and seed adds to the child's understanding of the planting ritual and the cyclical nature of gardening.

Question: Are there simple hydroponic systems that kids could fairly easily and inexpensively create themselves?

Answer: If necessity is the mother of invention, then the need for simplicity is what keeps us inventing. The beauty of hydroponics is that the basic systems work as well as more elaborate systems. Simple hydroponic designs can be modified once the kids figure out what's needed. Here are two simple systems to get things flowing.

Question: We have put our houseplants under grow lights. We keep the temperature at 70 degrees F, and have the plants near, but not on, the radiator. The plants are looking very droopy. What causes this?