Plants

Hello there. Can you guess who I am? I start as a tiny seed, sleeping under a blanket of dirt. When the rain comes and the sun shines, I wake up and poke my green head out of the ground. I stretch my leafy arms up, up, up to the sky and wiggle my toes, my roots, deep in the soil. I make the air feel fresh and clean for your nose, and I grow yummy red strawberries and sweet yellow corn for your tummy. I’m quiet, but I’m all around you. What am I?

You got it. I am Plants. For a super long time, even before your grandparents’ grandparents were born, people had to look for me. Way back around 10,000 BCE, early humans would walk all day to find my yummy berries and crunchy roots to eat. Then, they had a brilliant idea. They figured out that my seeds were like little promises. If they planted my seeds in the ground near their homes and gave me water and sunshine, I would grow right there. This was the beginning of farming, and it meant everyone could have enough food to eat without searching all day.

Today, I am your friend in so many ways. I am the soft grass you tickle your toes in, the tall trees you climb, and the pretty flowers you give to someone you love. I fill your lunchbox with carrots and apples. By taking care of me—giving me a little water and a sunny spot to live—you are helping our whole world stay strong, healthy, and beautiful. So next time you see a little green sprout, say hello. We can grow together.