WHAT PLANTS NEED TO GROW HEALTHY

Plants are living things. They grow, change and reproduce. They need air, soil, water, light, and space to grow.

Plants need soil. Water and minerals are taken from the soil through roots. Soil also provides support for the plant and an anchor for the roots to grow in.

Plants need sunlight in order to grow properly. They use light energy to change the materials - carbon dioxide and water into food substances (sugars). This process of food productions is called photosynthesis. Only in light can a green plant make food.

Plants need water. Plants use water to carry nutrients from the roots to their leaves and food from the leaves back down to the roots. 

Plants must also have space in order to grow. If the space is small, the plants will be small and stunted. Big plants need big spaces for their roots and branches.