Plants Need Water to Grow

Plants are living organisms that need a variety of things to live, grow and reproduce. Soil supports plants, and they use minerals from the soil to grow. Plants need space for their roots and clean air to make food. They use sunlight to help make food. Most of all, they need the same thing every living organism needs to survive. Plants need water to grow.

Photosynthesis

Plants make their own food through a process called photosynthesis. Water molecules and carbon molecules combine and form oxygen and glucose to feed plants. Without water, plants have no food.

Temperature

When we get too hot on sunny days, we sweat. When plants become too warm on hot days, water evaporates on the leaves to cool them. Water also evaporates to let the plants take in carbon dioxide to make food. Water stored in plants helps to keep them from drying out in winter winds.

Movement

Nutrients, minerals and moisture have to be moved to different parts of the plant. Water helps minerals enter the plant and moves nutrients to areas they are needed. Food formed in the leaves needs water to move it down to the roots.

Growth

Water is needed to maintain the pressure of water in plant cells. Water in the plant cells helps them to expand and grow. The necessary amount of water in plant cells keeps plants from wilting.

Watering

How much water a plant needs depends on the climate, the age of the plant, the type of plant, the environment and the origin of the plant. Getting too much water or too little water can kill a plant. Young plants and other plants with smaller root systems need watering more often. If you put your finger about an inch into the soil and it feels dry, you should water it.

Resources

• Plant Needs