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Youth will identify some of the basic things plants need to survive. We will create a watering can from recycled materials to help ensure our plants stay healthy and we will investigate the soil in our gardens. In this week, we will learn some of the following:
The importance of water for plants
How to water plants in the garden
The different components of soil
How much light is available for plants?
This week we're talking about some of the basic things plants need. Keep going down the page for a variety of activities that will help you learn more about soil, water, and sunlight, and what they mean for plants.
How are your peas growing?
Peas can take 2 weeks or more to germinate, so yours are probably small right now. Continue to take care of your peas and we will observe how they grow in weeks to come.
Experiment: What do your peas need?
As your plants get bigger, you can try some small experiments in the next couple weeks. You can try:
Water each of your peas on a different schedule. What happens if you water one of your plants every day and the other plant every other day?
How does sunlight affect their growth? Take a cardboard box and cut a door in one side of it. Cover one of your seedlings with the box - the seedling should still get some light through the door in the box. Watch as your peas grow - how does the pea in the box compare to the one without?
The photo above shows a pea seedling that has germinated about a week ago. It can take about 2 weeks after you plant the seeds for you to see the peas growing.
Supplies and Supply Source
Soil (your garden or yard)
A jar or bottle with a lid
Water
An empty water bottle
Scissors
A thumb tack
A marker or pen
A pencil
Optional supplies
Powdered dish detergent
Ruler
Calculator
Soil Shimmy
Find out what's in your garden soil.
The video below is courtesy of N.C. Cooperative Extension 4-H.
Soil
Soil provides a place for plants to grow and supplies nutrients that plants need. Different gardens have different soil types. Here in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, there is usually a lot of clay in our soil. But if you go to the coast, you may find more sand in soils there. Try out the soil shimmy activity to measure how much sand, silt, and clay is in your garden soil.
Soil Shimmy.pdfDIY Watering Can
Plants need regular watering! Learn to make a watering can from recycled materials.
Water Bottle Activity.pdfWater
When we investigated seeds, you saw that seeds need water in order to germinate and start growing. Plants continue to use water as they grow. Make your own watering can so that you can keep your plants healthy!
Tips for Watering Your Garden:
The best time to water is early in the morning.
Water your plants when the soil dries out - stick your finger in the soil to see if it is moist or dry below the surface.
Water deeply and less often - this means giving more water when you do water, but watering less times each week.
Garden sunshine.pdfGarden Sunshine
How much sun does your garden get? Investigate to help you choose the best plants to put there.
Light
Sunlight is essential for plants to survive! Plants use sunlight to make their food through a process called photosynthesis. Watch the video below for information on how photosynthesis works.
Not all plants need the same amount of light! When you're done watching the video, check out the activity to the left and observe your own garden to make sure it has enough light for the plants you need.
Want more?
See the activities below for more ways to learn about water in the garden.
Check out the video and written instructions for a DIY rain gauge from N.C. Cooperative Extension 4-H.
Rain Gauge.pdfSelf-Watering Planter
Courtesy of New Mexico State University, New Mexico 4-H
Learn how to make a self-watering planter using a 2-liter bottle and a piece of cotton rope!
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