Rocket plants grass seed under a big shady tree. Weeks later, only thin patches grow. Thick green moss covers the rest.
"My grass invention failed!" he sighs.
Raven smiles. "Mistakes are clues. What do you notice about this spot?"
Nova hovers in the shade. "Count the hours of sunlight here," she says. "Which plant likes that?"
A habitat gives living things food, water, light and shelter.
In one habitat, some living things do well. Some do less well. Some cannot live there at all.
Most vegetables need at least 6 hours of direct sun each day.
In deep shade, they do not produce well.
Moss often grows where there is a lot of shade and damp soil.
Grass in heavy shade grows thin and weak.
| Spot | Does well | Does less well |
|---|---|---|
| sunny bed (6 or more hours of sun) | beans, corn, cucumbers | moss |
| deep shade under a tree | moss | grass, most vegetables |
| soggy soil where water stands | moss | most vegetables |
Look at all the numbers you wrote this week.
Did your bean plant grow taller? Did it get new leaves?
Is it in a sunny spot or a shady spot?
Your numbers are evidence about how well it does in its habitat.
| Statement | True or false? |
|---|---|
| Every plant does well in every habitat. | ? |
| Deep shade under a tree is a hard place for most vegetables. | ? |
| Moss can be a sign of shade and damp soil. | ? |
| A failed planting can teach us something. | ? |
Amazing arguing with evidence! Tomorrow is Grow It Day. Your family will build a garden food web poster.