Our hands and feet are useful for measuring in the garden. Because each of us is different, find out how your finger and feet compare to numbers on a ruler!
| Planting Depth |
| To find the planting depth for seeds use your index finger. |
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First measure from the tip of your finger to the first joint. How long is it? _____________ inches |
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Next measure from the tip of your finger to the second joint. How long is it? _____________ inches |
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Then measure the length of your index finger. How long is it? _____________ inches |
The pictures below show an example of how to use your finger to find three different planting depths.
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| Distance Between Seeds |
| Use your fingers to measure how far apart seeds should be. |
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First measure the width of your index and middle finger. How wide is it? _____________ inches |
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Then how wide are your three middle fingers? _____________ inches |
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And how wide are your four fingers? _____________ inches |
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Next how far can you reach from your thumb to your index finger? _____________ inches |
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And how far can you reach from your thumb to your little finger? _____________ inches |
| Distance Between Rows |
| Use your feet to measure how far apart you want your garden rows. |
Place your shoe beside a yardstick or ruler to measure how long it is. How long is it? _____________ inches
How long would two shoes be? _____________ inches
How long would three shoes be? _____________ inches |
| Length of Rows |
| To decide how long you want to make your garden rows or the garden, step it off. |
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Begin by measuring how long your step is. Measure from the heel on one foot to the toe on your other foot. How long is your step? _____________ inches Then use this measurement to figure the length of your garden rows. If your step is 2 feet, then 2 1/2 of your steps equals 5 feet. How many steps would it be for you to measure a row that you want 5 feet long? Or 10 feet long? |
| Now you can use these body measurements to space your seeds properly, plant seeds at the proper depth, space the rows apart and have the proper length. |
Alert: Making Pesticide Applications in School/Community Gardens
