Branch of Science: Biology
Concept: Capillary Action
SUB IRRIGATED PLANTER
Do you like gardening? Are you sometimes afraid of watering your plants too little or too much? Try this project. It uses an important biology concept to keep plants watered just right.
You’ll Need:
- Clean, empty 2-liter bottle
- Ruler
- Marker
- Utility knife
- 3 strips of cotton from an old T-shirt, 1 inch wide x 4 inches long (2.5 cm x 10 cm)
- 3 cups (700 g) potting soil
- Lettuce or herb seeds
- Water
Safety First: Have an adult help when using sharp tools such as a utility knife.
Put It Together:
- Make a mark 3 inches (8 cm) from the top of the bottle. Use the utility knife to cut a small “x” at this spot.
- Repeat Step 1 to make a total of six small x’s. Make them evenly spaced around the bottle 3 inches (8 cm) from the top. This will allow air to reach the soil.
- Use the utility knife to cut off the top half of the bottle.
- Turn the top upside down, and place it inside the bottom half.
- Push the fabric strips through the neck of the bottle. They should extend through the neck and touch the bottle’s bottom.
- Pack the soil in around the cotton strips.
- Plant seeds in the soil according to the package directions. Lightly water the seeds from the top.
- Lift the top, and pour several inches of water into the bottle bottom. Replace the top.
- Wait for your seeds to sprout and grow. Refill the bottom with water as needed. The water in the bottom of the bottle will keep your plants watered.