Tomatoes, trees, and space have more in common than you think.  Clay County 4-H is hosting two agricultural space themed programs this fall.

First, youth have the opportunity to participate in the national Tomatosphere science project in September.  Tomatosphere uses the excitement of space exploration to teach the skills and processes of scientific experimentation and inquiry. Youth investigate the effects of the space environment on the growth of food that will inevitably support long-term human space travel.

Youth can register to receive four tomato seeds.  Two of these seeds have been flown to space.  According to the First the Seed Foundation, crops that are most successful in growing in space have a rapid growth rate to maturity, have a high yield of edible crops, and have a high energy content.  Tomatoes fit the criteria.  Having access to fresh food as humans explore space is vital.  Fresh produce provides vital vitamins and minerals to keep humans healthy on long-term missions.  Fresh produce and gardening also have psychological benefits as well.

During the Tomatosphere experiment, youth will determine if germination of a seed, or when a seed starts to grow, is impacted by being exposed to a microgravity environment.  Youth will record their data over 30 days and report it back to Clay County 4-H.  The program is free to participate, but registration is required.  Registration is open here until August 28.  The results of which seeds went to space will be revealed at Clay County 4-H’s second space themed event.

On October 18, Clay County 4-H will host a Moon Tree & Forestry Workshop.  Youth will learn about Clay County’s space connection with the Apollo and Artemis Moon Trees,  learn about forestry and forestry careers and current research on farming in outer space. Moon Trees are trees that were flown up on the Apollo 14 mission or the Artemis I mission that were exposed to microgravity as seeds.  Youth and families will measure the tree height of the Artemis Moon Tree at the UF IFAS Extension Clay County Office. Families will also learn about forestry careers and participate in a variety of hands-on forestry activities. This event is also free to attend.  Registration is open for this event will be opening soon!

Why the interest in trees?  According to an article written by Brian Campbell, NASA Senior Earth Science Specialist and Subject Matter Expert (SME), trees connect us scientifically, environmentally, and culturally. Trees are vital to ours and our planets’ health as they absorb carbon from the atmosphere, and NASA has been tracking how forests have changed over the past 40 years.  Scientists are particularly interested in Moon Trees as they want to know more about how seeds grow and how their genetics and environment impact their growth and development. Knowing more about seeds can help people grow, protect, and restore trees across the country.

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