What does a little plant need to grow?

Have you ever pushed a seed into a little pot of dirt? The dirt feels cool and crumbly under your finger. You give it a drink of water and wait.

A few days later, a tiny green plant pokes up. It has a thin stem and two small leaves. So what does a little plant need to grow?

That dirt has a real name. Plants grow in soil, which means the soft dark earth in a pot or a garden. Soil soaks up water and keeps it for the plant.

Down in the soil, the plant grows roots, which means thin threads that reach down into the earth. The roots hold on tight. That way the plant stands up straight and does not tip over.

Roots also drink. They sip water from the wet soil. With that water, the plant stays firm instead of drooping.

Next, the water climbs up the stem, all the way to the leaves. Now the leaves have water to work with. What do you think the leaves need next?

Sunlight! The leaves spread out flat and wide, like little open hands, to catch the light. A plant on a windowsill even bends toward the window to reach more light.

Leaves need air as well. Each leaf has holes so small that you cannot see them. Air drifts in through those holes.

Now the leaves hold water, sunlight and air. They put them together and make sweet food for the plant. A plant does not eat like you do. It makes its own food, right inside its leaves.

That food gives the plant the strength to grow. Its roots reach deeper into the soil. Its stem stretches up, and a brand new leaf unfolds.

Soil. Roots. Roots drink water from the soil, and leaves make food from sunlight and air.

Sleep tight, little gardener, and grow a bit more tonight, just like your plant.