Soil, Water, Sun, and Air
Every plant needs four important things to grow: soil, water, sunlight, and air. Think of these as a plant's recipe for life!
Soil is like a cozy bed for plant roots. It holds the plant in place and is full of nutrients — tiny bits of food that help the plant grow strong. Good garden soil is dark, crumbly, and feels soft when you squeeze it.
Water is like a plant's drink. Roots soak up water from the soil and send it up through the stem to every leaf. Without water, a plant gets droopy and wilts.
Sunlight is the plant's energy source. Leaves use sunlight to make food for the plant through photosynthesis. Most garden plants need at least six hours of sunlight every day!
Air provides carbon dioxide, a special gas that leaves need to make food. Plants take in carbon dioxide and give back oxygen — the gas WE need to breathe. Plants and people help each other!
**Remember This:** Soil, Water, Sun, Air — plants need all four to grow!