The study used simulated regolith rather than the real thing because genuine lunar soil, as one might imagine, is in short supply on Earth. The researchers used volcanic material from the Changbai mountains of China's Jilin Province to create soil with similar chemical and physical properties to lunar regolith.

This question is not as straightforward as it appears. There are several factors which determine how much and how often you should be watering when growing seeds. But ultimately it comes down to experience and judgement. Seeds have a shelf life. Use them as soon as possible to increase their chance of growth. However, make sure the germination environment is suitable for the plant to grow in. Whether it's a silicion additive or a PK booster, Plant Magic produce a range of additives to go along with their mineral nutrients. They also produce a "Bio" range of additives to go alongside their organic oldtimer nutrients. You will get fantastic results whichever range you decide to go with. MENDOZA: All of the plants that are growing right now are exhibiting flowering. If they haven't already started growing pea pods, they are flowering, which is awesome.The three bacteria used in the study were: Bacillus mucilaginosus, Bacillus megaterium and Pseudomonas fluorescens. The researchers tested other bacteria as well, but those did not produce the same beneficial effects. CHANG: He's even seeing growth in 100% simulated Martian soil, though the plants are less healthy and have smaller leaves. Plant magic (or Plant Magic Plus, to give them their full name) are a dyed-in-the-wool British nutrient manufacturer. CHANG: But he's not quite done with the project. Pea plants take about 10 to 12 weeks to fully mature, and Mendoza's are almost there. More exotic seeds have dormant periods that can last years. Or require unusual conditions to break their dormancy such as fire.

A special blend of Sphagnum Peat, Fytocell Foam, and our unique Organic Growth Stimulant. Plant Magic – Soil Supreme makes for a superior growing medium that always yields the best results. For the organic grower they have the oldtimer granules to boost the beneficial microbe population. They also have their dual action natural pest and fungus control spray - Bugicide.They make a full range of both mineral and organic origin, with a range of matching boosters and additives to boot. Not just for Soil MENDOZA: It doesn't have organic matter, and it's also missing some certain macronutrients that contain nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur.

MENDOZA: Frass does seem to have a certain added benefit. At about 10% mixture, it seems to add enough nutrients to the soil but also not add too many. CHANG: Mendoza was in middle school when he watched "The Martian" for the first time, and the concept intrigued him. EMMANUEL MENDOZA: Howdy. My name is Emmanuel Mendoza. I'm a junior aerospace engineering major, minoring in mathematics and agricultural systems management at Texas A&M University. MENDOZA: To maybe not be Mark Watney - I'd prefer not to get stranded on Mars - but to be an archetype, inspiring people to learn more, and you really do a lot with available resources.In the 2015 movie "The Martian," Matt Damon played a botanist stranded all alone on the inhospitable planet. Our Organic Growth Stimulant has been extracted from prehistoric plants and animal remains that have decomposed naturally over millions of years. As well as improved quality, flavours, and aromas from flowers, you can expect to see an increase in your yield, especially if you are hoping to grow fruits and vegetables. Our Organic Growth Stimulant is also a great food source for beneficial fungi and microorganisms. To make sure that your Soil Supreme is performing well, simply water regularly and make sure that you have sufficient drainage so that it doesn’t become too saturated in water. It’s never been easier to grow strong, healthy, and robust plants.