Did You Bring Home A Basil SIP From Science Day? Here's How to Care for It!

Thanks to the students and parents who made sub-irrigated basil planters at Science Day! (And lots of gratitude to the parent and teacher volunteers, to Gotham Greens hydroponic farm–for donating the  basil plant starts in biodegradable volcanic ash material. And last, but not least, thanks to all the staffers and families who collected and donated the plastic bottles that we turned into planters.) If you were lucky enough to bring home a basil planter, you can refer to these home care instructions. Questions? Email Denise M, have your child ask his/her science teacher or post a comment on Inclusions.org.

1. (At home) Remove and fill the bottom reservoir cup with about 2-3 inches of water. For one time only, water plant from the top to allow soil and wick to settle. Wick should dangle into liquid to allow soil to “suck up” the water and “self water” the plant.

2. Place in full sun or sunny windowsill.

3. Add water to bottom cup every 2-3 days. It is OK to spritz soil from the top, but “watering” should be done via the reservoir in the bottom of the planter.

4. Stay tuned for more instructions via inclusions.org/garden or email. If you need to add soil, use organic potting soil. After about 4 weeks, we’ll ask you via parent coordinator to return the plant to school. (Label planter with child’s name and class.) Basil plant will continue to grow under a classroom grow light until it can be transplanted into the garden in April.

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