As garden scientists, we observe not only the plants, but what affects the plants. The environment is what you find around the plant, like the water, sunlight, air and clouds. We call this the weather. Weather can change each day and even within the same day! Plants constantly respond to these changes, and this changes their health and wellbeing. Watch the weather and notice how your plant responds.

What’s the Connection Between Weather and Plants?

Weather is what the air and sky are like every day. We observe the weather conditions from day to day or even during the same day.

Weather includes:

• Sunshine
• Rain
• Wind
• Cloud
• Heat
• Cold

Plants cannot move to a new place, so weather has a big job in helping plants grow.

How Different Weather Helps Plants Grow

Observing the weather gives clues to why plants respond the way they do. Some plants like warm weather, while others like cold weather. Some plants wilt and droop when the air is hot and dry. Some plants need an extra drink of water on a windy day.

Sunlight

• Helps plants make their own food through photosynthesis
• More sun often means faster growth

Rain and water

• Gives plants water to drink
• Too little makes plants wilt
• Too much can drown the roots

Temperature

• Some plants thrive in the heat, while others prefer cold. Read the plant label and seed packets before planting to understand your plant’s needs.
• Cooler weather may slow growth.
• Most plants in our area should be covered or moved inside if the temperature drops to 32 F.

Observing the Weather and Your Plants

By observing the weather, we can connect plant responses with the weather patterns.

You can observe the weather by asking:

• Is it sunny or cloudy?
• How long was it sunny?
• Did it rain today?
• Is it hot, warm, cold?
• Is it windy?

Write it down, draw it or talk about it with a friend or an adult. Then, observe your plants. What do you see on the plants?

You may notice:

• New leaves after rain
• Dry, curled leaves during hot weather
• Plants leaning towards the sun

Weather Changes Plant Needs

The weather the plant receives dictates what the plant needs. The plant’s needs will change based on the weather and environment. The plants rely on us to care for them when the weather changes.

For example:

• Water plants when it hasn’t rained.
• Shade plants during very hot days.
• Protect plants from cold weather.

Ask yourself, what does my plant need today?

Conclusion

The weather is part of the plant’s story. When you watch the sky and the garden together, you discover how nature works. Observing the weather teaches us how the weather affects changes in plant needs and plant response and growth. Keep observing, keep wondering and keep growing.