How Do Plants Grow
Plants are made up of various parts with each doing a specific job, much like the different parts of our bodies.
The Roots
The roots of a plant serve three main purposes. Firstly the roots act as an anchor preventing the plant from blowing away in the wind etc. Secondly the roots draw water up from the soil allowing the plant to 'drink'. Finally roots also draw up important minerals out of the soil which a necessary to allow plants to grow.
The Stem
The Stem performs several roles for a plant. The stem acts as a support structure for the plant, allowing leaves to have greater access to sunlight, especially when competing with other plants. The stem also acts as a highway for the plant, allowing water to be transported from the roots to other parts of the plant and also transporting food from the leaves to other parts of the plant.
The Leaves
The leaf creates all the food for the plant. By capturing air and sunlight using a process called "photosynthesis" leaves create all the energy that the plant uses to grow and thrive.
The Flower
The flower is the reproductive organ of the plant. The flower contains pollen and eggs called ovules. When an Ovule is pollinated it will grow into a fruit. Flowers are often colorful in order to attract bees, which help to pollinate all the flowers.
Plant need three main ingredients in order to grow and stay healthy:
Sunlight
Plants use the energy from the sun in order to make food. With vegetable gardens in mind its is important for our garden to be exposed to as much sunlight as possible to provide enough energy to grow big, healthy vegetables.
Water
Plants, like all living things require water in order to live. Water fulfills many roles in plants. Water is used to transport minerals from the roots to other areas of the plant. Water is also used to cool the plant down during the heat of the day through evaporation. Finally water is used in the leaves to help create energy.
Nutrients/Minerals
Plants need minerals from the soil for two main reasons. Minerals are used to help leaves create energy. Secondly minerals are used as building blocks as the plant grows.
