Mad Science: Are plants science? What about a garden?

Look, I am no gardener.  I have had some Botany and done quite a few environmental projects: a green roof, wetland enhancement, rain gardens, and planted hundreds of trees.  Hey, there is nothing life a garden if you want to attract wildlife!  Just ask my husband.  We have many sightings and an on-going battle with Mr. Beaver, a groundhog.  Our neighbor is from D.C. and thought it was a beaver.

Our little household has been planting seeds.  There is a great deal of science in gardening.  Start by checking the soil pH.  We tested the soil in our raised bed because I was afraid the pH was off for vegetables.  Once you determine the pH of your soil, research the optimal pH for vegetables and how to amend the,soil.  We have been using a mix of composted garden soil, top soil, and humus for our plants.  We have been experimenting with different types of containers: ceramic pots, plastic pots, planters,  plastic grocery bags, reusable, woven grocery bags, and a commercial felt grow bag.  (Our son-in-law just gave us the felt bag; we plan to grow carrots in it.).

How is this Camp?  Let your kids make the decisions.  What do they want to grow?  What type of soil does it need?  Can the plants thrive in a grocery bag?  Which is better, plastic or woven grocery bags?  How often should they water?  Do the plants need fertilizer?  What type?  Which plants can grow together?  Could you plan a patriotic garden?  A rainbow garden?  An Italian herb garden?  A pizza garden?

Your kids might like to build a rain barrel.  Here is an idea for a mini-rain barrel from a detergent bottle.  Plan to paint the rain barrel.  (I had AP Art students paint a series of rain barrels with images from Monet—scroll down this slideshow.  The presentation has loads of environmental projects, too.).

What about Camp projects for your back yard?  The plant projects are on the back deck.  We have a small raised bed, tiny rain garden, a bat house, and bird house, too.  Here are ideas for kids to promote wildlife in their yards.

What else?  Our Mad Science Nature Camp has the campers making bird feeders.  (Check the bird seed if your child has a peanut or tree nut allergy—or wear gloves.  We use Crisco in place of peanut butter for the same reason.). If your budget permits, let the kids build and paint birdhouses.  Birds do not care if the exterior is bright pink and has glitter.  Another idea is to set up bluebird boxes.  One Mad Science Camp at our church, the Knights of Columbus built bird boxes for the kids and helped them install them on the church property.  You can, too!  Below are some photos of our deck and yard projects.