Working With Plants
Read the story about Amir’s first day at the garden center. Then try the questions.
Read each page. The “Talk about it” boxes are for your own ideas.
Amir is excited to start his new job at the garden center. He meets his boss, Lucy. Lucy owns the garden center. She tells Amir he will be taking care of the plants at the garden center.
Amir starts his job training today. Lucy takes Amir on a tour of the garden center. Lucy teaches him about plants and their parts. There are many different plants at the garden center. They grow in different ways.
Lucy asks, “What do you know about plants?” “I know plants need water to grow,” says Amir. “Yes! Plants do need water,” says Lucy. “But plants need more than just water. We will look at different plants today. I will show you what plants need to grow.”
Amir points to a tulip plant. “We have tulips growing at my house,” he says. “Tulips have roots, stems, leaves and flowers,” says Lucy. “Most plants have the same parts. Most plants have roots that grow deep into the soil. Roots are like straws. Roots take in water and nutrients from the soil. Plants use the water and nutrients to grow.”
Lucy points to the tulip stem. “Most plants have stems. The stem supports the plant and gives the plant its shape and size. Without the stem, the plant might fall down instead of standing up. The stem is like a pipe that takes nutrients and food to all parts of the plant. Some stems are big and woody, like a tree trunk. Others are thin and bend, like the stem of a tulip,” says Lucy.
Lucy points to the tulip leaf. “Most plants have leaves. Leaves are very important to the plant. They have small openings that help the plant get air. Most leaves are green. Their color helps them soak up sunlight. The leaves also make the food for the plant,” says Lucy.
Lucy points to the tulip flower. “Most plants have flowers,” she says. “Flowers have seeds. Seeds make new plants and flowers. Some flower seeds grow into fruits, berries and even nuts. There are many different kinds of flowers. They can be different sizes and colors.”
“Each part of a plant has an important job. The plant parts help the plant make its own food. I will show you how plants do this. Knowing how plants grow will help you take care of the plants here at the garden center,” says Lucy.
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