This bundle combines the 4-H Grow Your Own Clovers Kit with a Circuit Playground Express and soil sensor components, turning a simple planting activity into a hands-on STEM project. Measure soil moisture using a nail and alligator clip connected to the Circuit Playground Express — the board displays red or green LEDs to indicate whether your clovers need watering.

No soldering or special tools required. All you need is a computer with a web browser and USB port to program the Circuit Playground Express.

Kit Contents

• 1× 4-H Grow Your Own Clovers Kit (biodegradable bamboo pot, clover seeds, peat pellet)
• 1× Circuit Playground Express
• 1× AAA battery holder with on/off switch, JST connector, and belt clip
• 3× Alkaline AAA batteries
• 1× Alligator clip test lead (38cm)
• 1× Stainless steel nail (8cm)

How It Works

• Grow your clovers using the included pot, seeds, and peat pellet
• Insert the nail into the soil and connect the alligator clip to the Circuit Playground Express
• The board reads soil moisture and displays the status with coloured LEDs (green = moist, red = dry)
• Program the board via Microsoft MakeCode, CircuitPython, or Arduino IDE

Growing Instructions

• Place the peat pellet in a separate container and add approximately 1 cup of water
• Wait for the pellet to fully expand, then remove the casing
• Place the expanded peat in the bamboo pot and break apart for even coverage
• Plant 4–5 seeds and keep damp until sprouts appear (5–10 days)
• Water daily and add plant food as needed (not included)

Ideal For

• 4-H STEM and agricultural programmes
• Classroom science and coding activities
• Beginner electronics projects
• Learning about sensors and environmental monitoring

Resources

• Soil Moisture Sensor Guide (Adafruit Learn)