Pike High School science teacher, Christina Sabato, is the winner of a recent contest sponsored by steadyGROWpro, the maker of comprehensive, hands-on life science education kits to be used for growing plants in the classroom.

Sabato’s classroom was fitted with equipment valued at more than $400, including a tabletop grow light, watering cans, plant labels, and a pH and EC testing meter. In addition, the classroom makeover included a variety of soilless growing media from steadyGROWpro which will allow Sabato’s students to experience propagating various plants. Also included in the classroom makeover is educational material regarding plant parts, eco-systems, and a 3-D model of a plant cell.

“Your product is amazing! The students and I have planted many different types of seeds into the media,” Sabato said. “I will be sending pictures soon to let you see the wonderful seedlings,” she adds.

“We were pleased to provide Christina with the science classroom makeover. The equipment is designed to assist teachers in their efforts to educate students about plant propagation using scientific methods,” explained Kelvin Frye, National Sales Manager.

SteadyGROWpro designs comprehensive, hands-on life science education kits to be used for growing plants in the classroom. Sprout Jones: Life Science Education complements any elementary life science curriculum. Plant Propagation; A Scientific Inquiry explores plant propagation using scientific methods, and Agricultural Research; Soilless Growing is designed for agriculture and horticulture which focus on plant growth.  All kits provide a no mess, no bacteria and no insect alternatives to growing plants in the classroom. Through growing plants in the classroom, these kits will help teachers cover plant science subjects which include:

• seed germination
• vegetative propagation
• root development
• plant nutrition
• pollination
• plant life cycle
• photosynthesis

Depending on where you live and garden, it is time to schedule your seeds for indoor starts.

When to start your seeds indoors depends on the type of seeds you plan to sow and on the last expected frost date for your area. Last expected frost dates can be found in the zone table below. To find out the zone for your area, check the USDA Hardiness Zone Map on the Internet, or contact your local cooperative extension.

Look on your seed package to find out how many weeks ahead of the frost date your seeds should be started. For example, for those readers from Indiana (Zone 5), the frost-free date range is March 30 through April 30. March 30 indicates the earliest time to plant outside and most likely avoid a frost which would damage or kill plants. Most tomato varieties suggest a start date of six to eight weeks prior to the frost-free date. Counting eight weeks back from March 30 means February 2 would have been the earliest date to start  tomato seeds! Counting six weeks back from April 30 means March 19 is the latest date to consider starting tomato seeds.

The time is now. Don’t be fooled by what you see when you look outdoors! It is time to start planning and start planting.

LAST EXPECTED FROST DATES BY ZONE
ZONE 1 – June 1 – June 30
ZONE 2, 3 and 4 – May 1 – May 31
ZONE 5, 6 and 7 – March 30 – April 30
ZONE 8 – February 28 – March 30
ZONE 9 – January 30 – February 28

Every Saturday Ask The Garden Pros with Jim & Keith comes on AM 1430 KEZW out of Denver, Colorado. The pros, Jim Borland and Keith Funk, provide garden tips, information, and news to their listeners, and have been doing so since 1994. steadyGROWpro has been making appearances during the show, recently, and we’re excited to be a part of one of Colorado’s top-rated, garden radio shows. Anyone can listen to the show live, from the Studio1430 website, Saturdays from 7 to 9 AM.

You have taken great care to start your seedlings inside in order to get a jump on the spring outdoor planting season.  It’s almost time to move your young plants outside so you can soon enjoy a lush vegetable or flower garden.  In order to make sure all your care for your indoor plants is not in vain, it is paramount you carefully and properly prepare your plants for their new outdoor world.

Your seedlings and cuttings have been growing indoors under a protected environment. They have been shielded from rapid fluctuations in temperature, light, humidity, wind, hard rains and other factors present in the outdoors. Consequently, it will take time for these plants to adapt to these new elements.  This process is called hardening your plants.  Hardening is a procedure which allows for a controlled growth reduction. This growth reduction or cessation causes an accumulation of carbohydrates, making it possible for the plants to better withstand adverse environmental conditions, and therefore avoiding transplant shock. This is achieved through gradually shifting from protected to outdoor conditions over a period of a week to 10 days.  Just follow a few simple steps:

1. Make sure your indoor plants are well hydrated.
2. For the first 5 – 7 days, move your plants outdoors, but in a shady area.
3. During this 5 – 7 day period, move your plants indoors to avoid exposure to cold nights.
4. During days 7 – 10, gradually expose your plants to more direct sunlight.
5. Ready to plant on day 11!  Make sure to plant after the last expected frost date for your hardiness zone.

If you have any questions,please post in the comments below!

Without question, organic growing and organic products have the attention of consumers across the world.  At the same time, due to growing efficiencies, the lack of arable land, and the “buy local” or “grow at home” movements, the practice of hydroponic growing is rapidly increasing.   The two topics have been destined for a head-on collision.  Can you grow organically using hydroponic practices?

Almost all authorities say no.  According to the various agencies who certify organic growing, true organic growing can only be accomplished in soil.   Unfortunately, for hydroponic or soilless media growers, this suggests sustainable practices, while growing hydroponically, are not possible.  This is simply not true.  By comparison, soilless growing or hydroponics can be more efficient and more earth friendly than organic growing in soil.   For consumers, the practice of soilless growing and hydroponics translates to healthy produce at a lower cost.

Practical Hydroponics Magazine addressed this topic with great detail and insight.  Please take the time to read Steven Carruthers editorial “Branding Hydroponics”, and the article by Dr. Mike Nichols entitled “Why Not Organic Hydroponics?”.

We are very interested in what you think about this great debate.  Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!