How to Grow Radishes With CO2 & Sugar

Plants needs carbon dioxide, CO2, to make food and grow. They get the carbon dioxide from the air and use it in photosynthesis. The more carbon dioxide a plant receives, the faster it makes glucose and the more food it can grow. A radish with extra CO2 grows faster than one using the natural carbon dioxide in the air. You can make carbon dioxide with sugar and yeast; the yeast ferments the sugar, creating carbon dioxide. Use a tube to direct the carbon dioxide over the radish plant to speed photosynthesis.

2-liter soda bottle with cap
Drill
Airline tubing
Scissors
Silicone sealant
Funnel
2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon yeast
Warm water
Extra bottle cap

Instructions

- 1
  Drill a hole in the center of the soda bottle cap, using a bit slightly smaller than the width of the airline tubing.
- 2
  Push the end of the airline tubing into the hole in the cap so 1/4 inch of the tube sticks out the other side.
- 3
  Apply a line of sealant around the tube in the cap, sealing the crack between tube and cap. Apply glue to the top and bottom of the cap. Let the sealant dry according to instructions.
- 4
  Place the cap back on the soda bottle and place the bottle near the plant. Drape the tube over the top of the plant so it dangles above the plant. Cut the tubing with scissors so the end is 6 inches above the plant.
- 5
  Remove the cap from the bottle and set it aside.
- 6
  Pour the sugar and yeast into the bottle, using the funnel. Pour warm water (110 degrees Fahrenheit) into the bottle to 3 inches from the top. Place the extra bottle cap, the one without the tube, on the bottle. Shake the bottle until the sugar and yeast fully dissolve.
- 7
  Remove the cap and place the cap with the tube back on the bottle. Place the bottle near the plant and dangle the tube above the plant.

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