Bean Plant Projects

Planting Depth

• You can complete a project to figure out what is the best soil depth to plant bean seeds. This is useful knowledge to share with beginner gardens and farmers who want a successful bean crop. Plant all bean seeds in the same type of soil, in the same-sized pots, give them the same amount of water and place them in the same sunlight conditions. When you plant the beans, position seeds at four depths, such as at 1/2 inch, 1 inch, 1 1/2 inches and 2 inches. Plant two or three plants per depth to increase scientific value. Label each of the pots to denote depths. Predict which seeds will grow into the tallest plants. Each day, measure and record your observations. After at least two to three weeks, make a conclusion as to whether or not your hypothesis can be accepted.

Seed Mass

• You can complete a project to test the viability of bean seeds based on their mass by planting three sizes of the same seed type. For example, a California State Science Fair participant recommends using beans that weigh between 1 and 2 g, beans that weigh 3 g and beans that weigh between 4 and 5 g. Plant at least two of each bean size in the same type of pots and soil, at the same depth and with the same water and sunlight conditions. Label the pots according to their mass. Predict which seeds will grow the fastest and tallest. Record your measurements and observations on a daily basis. Allow seeds to grow at least two weeks before forming a conclusion.

Magnetic Growth

• Observe how magnetic force may help or hinder bean plant growth for a project. A student from the Selah School District recommends planting half of your bean seeds in soil with cow magnets, which are small magnets with a cylindrical shape. In each pot with a magnet, place seeds approximately 1/2 inch away from and on either side of the magnet. The rest of the conditions should be the same for both magnetized and nonmagnetized pots, including seed depth and size, water, soil and sunlight conditions. Make a prediction as to which plants will be healthiest, grow the tallest and grow the straightest. Record your measurements and observations daily and form a conclusion after two or three weeks.