If these scientists are right, there will be marigolds growing on the moon by the year 2015, and after there may even be cabbages, tulips and other plants. The best part is they think it can be done without bringing nutrients and soil from Earth.

The team of scientists from Ukraine working with the European Space Agency, has succeeded in growing marigolds in crushed rock that is very similar to the kind found on the moon - without using plant food.

When the scientists first planted the marigolds in just the crushed rocks, the plants did not do well at all. However, after adding different kinds of bacteria, the plants started to thrive. Scientists believe that this was because the bacteria were able extract the necessary nutrients like potassium that plants need in order to grow.

Marigolds were chosen because they are easy to grow and require little care once they germinate. Scientists believe that there are other plants that will respond to the harsher moon environment too, such as tulips, which can be frozen for long periods of time and need very little nourishment. They also think they can genetically alter more plants so that they will adapt to the moon's environment.

If successful, this could the first step towards mankind living on the moon - pretty exciting isn't it?