Learn About Organic Farming   >  The Different Parts of a Plant

Let's Learn About Organic Farming

The Different Parts of a Plant

Like the different parts of your own body, a plant is made up of specialized parts, each with a specific job to do:

Roots anchor the plant in the ground and absorb water and minerals from the soil.

Stems carry water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves and hold the leaves up to the sun.

Leaves collect the sun's energy during daylight hours and turn it into food for the plant by photosynthesis.

Flowers are where the seeds from the plant are made. Flowers attract insects, which pollinate them and help the flower reproduce.

Fruit is the part of the plant that contains and protects the seeds. The fruit can be hard or soft, big or small, but it must have seeds in it to qualify as a fruit.

Seed is a tiny life-support package containing genetic information and nutrients in an embryo, from which a new baby plant called a seedling will develop.

You'll recognize some of these plant parts that we eat:

Roots: carrots, beets, radishes, parsnips, turnips

Stems: asparagus, celery, rhubarb, leeks, and onions

Leaves: lettuce, spinach, parsley, cabbage

Flowers: broccoli, cauliflower, artichokes, nasturtiums

Fruit: tomatoes, peaches, pumpkins

Seeds: wheat, rice, corn, beans, peas

Learning About Organic Farming

What Does Organic Mean?
Bugs, Bugs, Bugs on the Farm!
The Miracle of Plants: Smart Seeds
What Do Plants Need to Grow?
The Different Parts of a Plant