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Collect a scoopful of garden soil and put it into one of the plastic containers. Get permission before digging.
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A good place to get subsoil is from a bank or ditch where the soil has been cut or worn away. Or you can dig a hole in your garden. Again, get permission first. Put a scoopful of subsoil into the second container.
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Spread newspapers on a flat surface and carefully examine your 2 samples. Use a magnifying glass if you have one. How are the soils different? Which do you think would be better for growing plants in?
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Now fill 1 can with topsoil and the other with subsoil. Soak the bean seeds in water overnight and then plant 1 in each can. Water both cans lightly and put them in a sunny spot. Keep the soils moist. Watch the plant for several days. Which plant is stronger? Was your prediction right?
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What's Going On?
Subsoil contains more stones and less humus, or organic matter (dead leaves, roots, twigs, and soil animals), than topsoil. So it isn't very good for growing plants. Topsoil contains what plants need to thrive - organic matter and microscopic organisms such as bacteria to break it down.
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