Any commercial growing media that is labeled for container gardening will be suitable for your classroom garden. However, a great activity that brings in some mathematics is making your own potting mix.
SAFETY NOTE: While a common ingredient in DIY potting mix is ground lime, this is not recommended when working with children. Ground lime creates a large amount of dust and is an irritant to the lungs and eyes. Without gloves and eye protection, its use is not recommended in the classroom.
Make Your Own Growing Media
Materials:
- Large Clean Container
- Large Measuring Cups
The following ingredients are available at your local garden centre or hardware store. - Sphagnum Peat Moss
- Vermiculite or Perlite
- Bone Meal
- Fertilizer – click here for information on choosing fertilizer.
Method
- Measure 7.5 litres of sphagnum peat moss into a clean container. Peat moss is inexpensive and works well for indoor gardening. It will help retain water, but also drains well so your roots will not be too wet.
- Mix in 7.5 litres of vermiculite or perlite. Vermiculite and perlite are minerals which can improve soil structure, and aid in germination, water retention, and drainage.
- In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix 60 ml of bone meal and your fertilizer. Read the package directions of the fertilizer to use the correct amount.
- Blend the bone meal and fertilizer mix into the peat moss mixture.
Teaching From the Garden 