Appearance and function match the final product, but is made with different manufacturing methods.

Looks like the final product, but is not functional.

Demonstrates the functionality of the final product, but looks different.

A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:

Humanity is going to Mars. Not just because we want to, but because we may need to. In order for our species to survive in the long term, some of us must leave Earth for good.

Before we can live on the Red Planet, we have to figure out where we'll live, how we'll breathe, and most importantly - how will we eat?

We created The Martian Garden to help enable Citizen Scientists in the quest for a method to support agriculture on Mars.

The Martian Garden Kits include everything you need to grow plants in simulated Martian soil. Our research-grade soil blend is based on NASA and JPL research and sourced from the same suppliers.

No Mars Soil has ever been returned to Earth.

In order to develop the most recent NASA missions to Mars, NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory needed a material that could simulate the soil on Mars. Using data from Mars landers and Earth-based observations, NASA and the JPL identified several sites on Earth that have similar composition to the soil and rocks found on Mars.

We're working exclusively with suppliers that operate the same sites where NASA and the JPL have obtained their Mars Regolith (Soil) Simulant. This ensures that you're receiving a research-grade sample that is as close as Earth can come to Mars.





There are many uses for Mars Regolith Simulant beyond plant growth. For example, can you create a structural material by adding superglue? Can you create a color of paint that's only found on Mars? The options are limitless - that's where citizen science, and backers like you come in!

We're offering a variety of backing levels to suit all budgets and interest levels so that anyone can participate in the journey to Mars.

We have suppliers standing by for all components of The Martian Garden and we're ready for assembly and fulfillment.

In order to ensure that we deliver rewards on time, we've secured three separate supplies of Mars regolith simulant. Each supply that we have selected is based exclusively on NASA and JPL research, and in each case, we're using the exact same rock deposits for our source material.

The Journey to Mars will require humanity to learn new ways of doing things that we've been doing since the dawn of civilization. Before we can live on Mars, we have to learn how. Do your part to help humanity on the Journey to Mars with The Martian Garden!