Root Viewing Box

Create a root view box so that you can see first hand how plants form not only stem and leaves but roots as well. Simply cut off the top of a half-pint milk carton and punch a few holes in the bottom for drainage. Then carefully cut a “window” in the side of the carton, leaving at least a ½-inch edge around it. Next, take a clear piece of acrylic or any type of plastic (clear and stiff) and size this to fit the window. Tape the plastic to the inside of the carton and carefully fill it with soil. Plant the seeds close to the side of the window so that you can view the roots as they grow down through the soil. Moisten the soil with water and be sure to place the carton inside a shallow tray to catch any excess.