How to Make a Mini Biodome

A mini biodome is the perfect solution for people with not-so-green thumbs. It allows the seeds to sprout in an environment that recycles its water through condensation and evaporation, thus eliminating the possibility of drowning the poor seeds or subjecting them to desert-like conditions. You can also do this with your kids as a lesson in the wonders of your newfound gardening genius.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• 1 2-liter soda bottle and its bottle cap
• Scissors or thumb tack
• Thick cotton string
• Permanent marker
• Water
• Potting soil
• Seeds
• Clear packing tape

1. Remove the label from the soda bottle and untwist the bottle cap. Using scissors or a thumb tack, poke a hole in the bottle cap and make it large enough for the string to fit through. Put the lid back on and place the string in water to let it soak.
2. Draw a small line with the marker 2 or 3cm above the bottom of the bottle. Make another mark halfway between the bottom and top curves of the bottle. Draw a third line where the bottle begins to curve up, which is about 3 inches from the bottle's opening.
3. Cut the bottle along the top line. You now have much better access to the inside of the bottle.
4. Pour water to the lowest line. Place one end of your damp string in the water, keeping it in the middle of the bottle. As you hold the string in the center, pour soil up to the second line.
5. Dig a small hole in the soil, drop your seed in, and cover the hole back up. If you have a small seed, you can place a straw in the hole and just drop your seed down the mini chute so you won't have to fumble around in the bottle or get your hands dirty.
6. Pull the top of the string through the hole in the cap and knot the end so it won't slide down into the mini biodome. The string is basically acting as a wick, drawing water through the soil.
7. Tape the top of the bottle back onto the bottom with clear packing tape. Your biodome is now complete. All it needs is sunlight to allow the seeds to sprout.

Tips & Warnings

• When pouring the soil, make sure the string stays in the middle of the bottle and isn't stuck to the bottle's side. This ensures an even distribution of water throughout the soil.
• Once the seeds sprout, remove them from the mini biodome. They now need a slightly cooler climate and fresh air to continue growing. Upgrade the size of the plants' pots as they grow larger.
• The edges of the cut bottle top can be sharp, so use caution if you're doing this activity with a child.