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 (write date of planting on labels; name or number)
• 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: