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Book 18, Question 35 · Video

Why Do Plants Grow So Fast in the Arctic Summer?

Video · 2:03 · Crafty Clover explains, from A Million Whys Book 18

Plants grow so fast in the Arctic summer because the midnight Sun gives them light almost around the clock! They race to grow before winter comes back. Let's watch them grow.

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What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do plants grow so fast in the Arctic summer?

The Big Idea

Plants grow so fast in the Arctic summer because the midnight Sun gives them light almost around the clock! They race to grow before winter comes back. Let's watch them grow.

Almost Nonstop Light

Step one: nonstop light. During the midnight Sun, plants get light almost around the clock. Leaves can make food from sunlight day and night. The Sun may dip low at night, but it stays above the horizon.

Short Race

Step two: a short race. The growing season is short, so tundra plants rush. They grow, flower, and make seeds in just a few weeks. Bees and flies visit the flowers quickly, too.

Giant Vegetables

Step three: giant vegetables. In parts of Alaska, long summer days help gardeners grow giant vegetables. Some cabbages weigh over 100 pounds. Cool weather keeps the cabbages crisp and sweet.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Long days give plants lots of light. Leaves make sugar from sunlight to grow quickly. Flowers open fast so insects can find them. Gardeners in Alaska grow giant cabbages. Sunshine is plant food in disguise. Ask a grown-up to help you with a garden.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Some Alaska cabbages weigh over 100 pounds. That is about as heavy as a big kid! Plants also need water, nutrients, and warmth. Wash garden vegetables before eating, with a grown-up. Long light plus warm soil equals fast growth.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Put a bean sprout on a sunny windowsill. Measure it every day. Imagine giving it 24 hours of sunshine. How might it grow?

Outro

Endless summer light helps Arctic plants grow fast. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!

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