Items you will need for growing the plants
- MOST IMPORTANT - An adequate light setup – we used a bank of LED lights. A window that receives at least 4 hours of direct sun can work, but the plants will take longer to grow (see our setup including light intensity, Fig. 4).
- Poly containers
- For each container (Fig. 1) – cover the exterior with black spray paint or tape (roofing, Gorilla, etc.) to deter algae growth. Our containers are common and are traditionally purchased for storing food leftovers.
- Each container should have 1,500 – 1,900 mL capacity – for example: L 6.5 in, W 7.75 in, D 3.5 in
- Red kidney bean seeds – purchase a bag from any grocery store
- Perlite – can be found at most hardware and big box stores
- 6-inch ruler
- Graduated cylinder or measuring cup
- Tap water
- Container labels –white adhesive and/or plastic
- Marker (ex. Sharpie)
- Tongue depressors or popsicle sticks - etched with lines indicating cm or inches (to be used to measure water level of the perlite in the container) (Fig. 2)
- Disposable mask(s) – to use when handling dry perlite
- Disposable gloves – to handle household bleach and perlite
- Paper towels
- Household bleach – to clean containers before use
- Fertilizer – we used 20N-4.4P-16.6K (20-10-20) water soluble fertilizer
- If you purchase fertilizer from a garden center be sure that it is granular, dry, water soluble fertilizer.
The following fertilizers should be available:
Fertilizer label | Desired ppm Nitrogen | Dry measure | Water (gallons) |
---|---|---|---|
24-8-16 | 100 | 1.7 teaspoons |
3.33 |
24-8-16 |
150 | 2.5 teaspoons | 3.33 |
18-18-21 | 100 | 2.25 teaspoons | 3.33 |
18-18-21 |
150 | 3.3 teaspoons | 3.33 |
25-10-10 | 100 | 1.6 teaspoons | 3.33 |
25-10-10 |
150 | 2.4 teaspoons | 3.33 |
10-10-10 | 100 | 4 teaspoons | 3.33 |
10-10-10 | 150 | 6 teaspoons | 3.33 |
12-4-8 | 100 | 3.3 teaspoons | 3.33 |
12-4-8 | 150 |
5 teaspoons |
3.33 |