Plants are living things that need water and light to grow. One major difference between an animal and a plant is that animals have to eat things while plants make their own food using water, light and air.
To better understand why plants need water and light…
LETāS BREAK IT DOWN!
There are many different kinds of plants on Earth.
![hillside with many plants growing on it](https://www.generationgenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Plants-Need-Water-_-Light-READING-1-600x338.jpg)
Different kinds of plants live all over the world. They come in different shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common. They all need water and light to grow.
![hillside with many plants growing on it](https://www.generationgenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Plants-Need-Water-_-Light-READING-1-600x338.jpg)
Plants are very helpful to animals and people.
![squirrel eating an acorn up in a tree](https://www.generationgenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Plants-Need-Water-_-Light-READING-2-600x338.jpg)
Plants provide oxygen, which is the air we breathe. Plants also provide wild animals with food and shelter. Humans eat many plant parts such as strawberries and lettuce.
![squirrel eating an acorn up in a tree](https://www.generationgenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Plants-Need-Water-_-Light-READING-2-600x338.jpg)
Plants grow from seeds.
![closeup of various seeds](https://www.generationgenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Plants-Need-Water-_-Light-READING-3-600x338.jpg)
When a seed receives water and sunlight, it grows into a healthy plant. A small plant can grow in a few months, but a big tree can take many years to fully grow.
![closeup of various seeds](https://www.generationgenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Plants-Need-Water-_-Light-READING-3-600x338.jpg)
Plants need water and sunlight to grow.
![watering seeds in a plant pot so they grow](https://www.generationgenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Plants-Need-Water-_-Light-READING-4-600x338.jpg)
All plants need water and sunlight to help them grow. Most plants also grow best when planted in soil, but soil is not a requirement for plant growth. You can grow a plant without soil!
![watering seeds in a plant pot so they grow](https://www.generationgenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Plants-Need-Water-_-Light-READING-4-600x338.jpg)
Plants need time to grow.
![closeup of green pepper plant](https://www.generationgenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Plants-Need-Water-_-Light-READING-5-600x338.jpg)
Just like people, plants need time to grow. Once a seed grows its roots, it will then start growing a stem, leaves and sometimes flowers.
![closeup of green pepper plant](https://www.generationgenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Plants-Need-Water-_-Light-READING-5-600x338.jpg)