Dark matter remains one of the universe's greatest mysteries, but you don’t need a high-tech lab to explore it. With some creativity, outdoor plant boxes can be repurposed into a simple, plant-based dark matter detector. Here’s how:

1. Choose the Right Plants: Opt for species sensitive to environmental changes, like moss or certain ferns, which may react subtly to hypothetical dark matter interactions.

2. Modify the Plant Box: Line the interior with reflective material to capture potential particle traces. Add sensors (e.g., humidity, temperature) to monitor anomalies.

3. Shield from Noise: Surround the setup with natural barriers (e.g., water containers) to reduce interference from cosmic rays or other particles.

4. Data Collection: Use a Raspberry Pi or similar device to log sensor data over time, analyzing patterns that could hint at dark matter interactions.

While this method won’t rival professional detectors, it’s a fun, sustainable way to engage with cutting-edge science at home. Who knows—your backyard experiment might spark the next big idea!