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Make Your Own Compost Tea

Compost tea is a great way to introduce nutrients to your plants. In an urban gardening project, this is a great natural alternative to using plant food. Of course, the first and most important ingredient is compost. You can either purchase the compost or create your own using these simple steps for an indoor set-up. Making compost tea can be as involved or as simple as you'd like, depending on your gardening needs. The goal of making compost tea is to put the benefits of compost into liquid form. Here, I will share the simplest technique I have used for making compost tea for use with various indoor plants.

The basic equipment is the cut off leg of nylon stocking, compost, water, and a container. Here, I used a 64 oz container.

Insert the nylon stocking into the empty container, wrapping it around the top to create a lip. Carefully fill the stocking with the compost.

Once halfway full, tie the stocking off and around the top of the container. Fill the container with water and let sit for 4-6 hours.

What you will end up with is water that looks pretty dirty, but is actually full of nutrients for your plants. Of course, the better the compost, the better the tea, so I recommend either using your own or researching where to purchase good compost to ensure a balanced nutrient content. After 4-6 hours, you can either water plants directly, or fill a spray bottle for light use.

Introducing....City Scientists!

Launching in September, Kiddie Science is proud to present City Scientists!

The City Scientists program is a fun, hands-on workshop for preschoolers age 3-5. We meet on Thursdays from 12:45pm to 2pm at Paradigm Kids, located in downtown Manhattan at 8-10 Liberty Place on the 5th Floor.

Register your young scientist today at http://www.kiddiescience.com/CityScientists.html

"Supermoon" 2014

Image from Space.com

Formally known as perigee, the "supermoon" is the coincidence of the moon in its full or new phase while making its closest approach to the Earth. This creates the illusion of a brighter and bigger than normal moon, commonly known as the "supermoon". Perigee will happen on Sunday, August 10th (and again on September 9th).

Although its name hints to it being a rare occurrence, it actually occurs roughly every 13 months and 18 days. The best time to observe the "supermoon" is when its near the horizon. This creates the illusion of making the moon look even more unusually large and bright.

On Sunday evening, take a walk outside and look up at the sky. Can you see the perigean full moon?

To learn more, visit EarthSky.

Summer Science Workshops!

Kiddie Science is a nonprofit organization that presents fun, inquiry based, hands-on workshops for ages 2 and up. Our workshops aim to foster a lifetime love of science while empowering children to think scientifically. Our summer workshops begin on July 21st and we have programming options for various age groups-

Science At Lark
Mondays at 11am to 12pm | Age 3-8 THIS SESSION IS FULL

July 21: Slime Time
July 28: Bubbles!
August 4: Colors
August 11: It's Electric!
August 18: Chemical Reactions

Thursdays at 10am to 10:45am | Age 2-4 w/ caregiver (2 spots remaining!)

July 24: Green Thumb Gardeners
July 31: Our Colorful World
August 7: Bubbles!
August 14: Water, Water, Everywhere
August 21: Simply Chemistry

Science Saturdays
Saturdays, 10am to 12pm | Age 4-8 (3 spots remaining!)

July 26th: Science Concoctions
August 2nd: Weather Science
August 19th: Bubble Science
August 16th: Water Science

Science At Play Kids
Wednesdays at 3pm to 4pm | Ages 4-8

July 23: The Science of Bubbles
July 30: Chemical Reactions
August 6: Water Science
August 13: The Solar System
August 20: The Scientific Method

To register, visit http://www.kiddiescience.com/Register.html

Looking forward to exploring the wonderful world of science with your child!

And the Grant Winner Is....

Kiddie Science!

The organization has been awarded a $500 grant from EducatorProtect's Dream Giveaway program. Funds will be used toward Kiddie Science programming.

You too can support Kiddie Science and enter to win an amazing, fantastic, uncanny, and incredible framed "The Marvel Universe" hand-painted animation cel, autographed by the one and only Stan Lee!

Raffle tickets can be purchased online (http://www.jotformpro.com/KiddieScience/ScienceSoiree) though Friday, June 20th. Winner will be chosen at random during the Science Soiree on June 21st. Raffle is open to anyone in the US, and individual need not be present to win. 100% of the funds raised will directly benefit Kiddie Science programming.

Thank you for your support!