Seed Needs

Seed Needs

In search of a better medium
Lesson: 1.1
Level:
Advanced
Station: Seed Starting
Format: Experiment
Rating:
Advanced Lesson 1.1 Seed Needs

Lesson Overview

Despite a history nearly 10,000 years in the making, we are still finding better ways to grow food. When a student questioned why we were using the same media every time and suggested he might find something better we made it a challenge for the entire glass. This lesson was created on the fly in our flagship Lab in Wyoming.

Teach the Teacher

Method

Exploring and testing the unknown can often reveal a better way to do something. With that in mind, look for natural elements near your Lab, and even synthetic ones, that might be viable for starting seeds. Consider options like pine needles, shredded leaves, shredded office paper, sponges, cardboard, or sawdust.

Devise a germination test to determine if any of these elements would be viable as seed starting media or as an ingredient in a seed starting mix. What function does each provide in the seed starting process – moisture retention, structure, air or water flow, root development?

Related Lessons

Now that you’ve completed the Advanced Lesson, just remember that you can always revisit the Beginner and Intermeidate Lessons as needed.

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