Growing Potted Amaranth Grain: A Science Project

[culverplanter13]

Greetings!

I am a student currently enrolled in a high school science research program. I have elected to study the "effects of biostimulants (organic matter) on the growth of amaranthus hypochondriacus ([url]https://www.saltspringseeds.com/scoop/powerfood.htm[/url])."

I am looking to grow, in a relatively compact space, a burgundy strain of the grain amaranth. I can afford, maybe a basic greenhouse or other planting materials up to $300-ish.

I have done some basic research - there really isn't a lot of information about the novel crop - that states the plant does not thrive / do well in pots. I'm not looking to grow the plants to maturation (up to 6-8 ft tall), simply to a couple of feet should do. I'm looking to grow maybe 5-10 plants. Is there any contraption/design that you, knowledgeable garden friends, think might work? I literally have zero garden experience, but I am very excited to work with this beautiful crop!

I welcome any advice / words of wisdom / questions regarding my project.

Thank you in advance, and best of luck.

Culverplanter13

[cynthia_h]

Bountiful Gardens in Willits, California, offers seed and information for gardeners who want to strive for closed-loop gardening. Along this line, they offer an information sheet on amaranth and quinoa on [url=https://www.bountifulgardens.org/products.asp?dept=4]this page[/url] of their website.

Bountiful Gardens is an outgrowth of Jon Jeavons' work and organizing over the past three or four (!) decades, to judge from copyright dates on his books, so their information is quite reliable.

Cynthia H.
Sunset Zone 17, USDA Zone 9

[culverplanter13]

Thanks for the tip!

Do you think if I simply purchase an enclosed DIY Plastic indoor greenhouse, with heater/ventilation/fan ect that the plants can thrive? Also, what about pots? Will simple 7 in by 7 in pots from Lowe's suffice for drainage? Terra cotta/ceramic with some holes?

Best,
CP13

[culverplanter13]

I'm thinking:
[url=https://www.amazon.com/Flower-House-FHPH140-PlantHouse-Pop-Up/dp/B0002UVS36/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=thehelpfulgar-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325]https://www.amazon.com/Flower-House-FHPH140-PlantHouse-Pop-Up/dp/B0002UVS36/[/url]