Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

For my project, I wanted to see how green beans would grow in different types of soil. I had chemical, regular, and compost soil. I planted 10 beans in each box(cake top containers.) it's been 4 weeks and only one plant has grown. What do I do? My project is due in 2 weeks and My project completely failed me. I collected the pH levels of each soil sample. Could I change my project so it wouldn't have anything I do with plants and just my soil? This project is 50% of my grade- all help is extremely appreciated!!

Beans grow fast and you still have time, so don't panic. Buy some fresh pole bean seeds like Kentucky Wonder and soak them in water for 8 hours or overnight. Plant them about 2 cm deep in the soil that you already have set up.

I don't know why your beans didn't sprout before but here are some possible reasons:

1. seed too old [Germination of bean seeds is poor if they are a couple of years old.]

2. soil too dry [The soil needs to be kept moist but not wet. Soaking the beans in water gets them started quicker.]

3. soil too cold [This is really important since beans like heat. For good germination the soil temp should be at least 25C and preferably warmer (77-85F)]

So, go buy some more bean seeds today, soak them and plant them tonight. Keep your boxes in a warm place and you should have sprouts in a few days. How are you planning to compare plant growth--by weighing the plants? I would take pictures every day of the plants and measure their height. At the end of the experiment, pull the plants out of the soil, dip the roots in water to rinse off the dirt, dry them with paper towels and weigh each one. Compare the average weights and calculate standard deviations so you can do a statistical test. If you need help with that let us know.

Good luck!

Sybee

Another thought is to plant Wisconsin Fast Plants
www.fastplants.org
On the top bar, click "Life Cycle" to see if they will grow fast enough. Click "How to Order" to see how to get some.

Good luck!