Willie and the Salad Bonanza Contest
Willie and the Salad Bonanza is a contest open to elementary, middle and high school teams, along with other K-12 community organizations such as 4-H, Scouts, FFA or other teams, interested in the scientific principles surrounding plant growth.
The challenge is for teams of four individuals to grow the largest amount of Dwarf Blue Curled Vates kale, Hybrid Space Spinach and Black-Seeded Simpson lettuce in the same container, using no more than five-gallons of growing medium over a 45-day time span.
Documentation of this effort is required and is part of the contest.
Registration is now closed due to a high number of entries. If you have any questions, please email Martha Nowak, msnowak@ksu.edu.
Timeline
Aug. 19 to Sept. 21 — Registration
Registration is free and required. The last day to register is planting day, Sept. 21.
Sept. 21 — Begin planting seeds
Following registration, contestants will be sent seeds (or sponsor may come by K-State Olathe to pick up seeds) for three different types of salad greens. At least one seed from each plant variety must survive to judging day, Nov. 5. Contestants/teams may decide how many total seeds they would like to plant and cultivate. All seeds, regardless of variety, must be grown in the same container (see the Contest Rules document (pdf) for container dimensions).
Nov. 5 — Contest judging
Contest judging will be from 9-11:30 a.m. Nov. 5 at K-State Olathe. The Cultural Practices document (pdf), which is required for the entry's consideration, is due with the entry and will be used as a tiebreaker.
Nov. 5 — Winners announced
Once judging is complete, a plaque for the school or organization with all team member names will be awarded for the top entries in each of the three levels: Grade K-5, 6-8 and 9-12. All who participate will receive a certificate of participation.
Announcement of winners article
Contest Documents
Resources
- K-State Extension in Johnson County
- Planet Natural Research Center
- Black-seeded Simpson lettuce
- Lacinato kale
- Space Hybrid spinach
- Tips on gardening
- Grow Greens Hydroponically
- Photosynthesis, Air Plants and Hydroponics (for fifth grade)
Sponsors
