Student-raised plants will once again be on sale this month to support the agriscience program at the Career Elevation and Technology Center.
For over 50 years, the plant sale has been a part of the horticulture, now agriscience, program at the Career Elevation and Technology Center. This year’s plant sales are scheduled for 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. May 10 and May 17, or until sold out.
For the plant sales, only cash or check payments will be accepted. The sale is at the Career Elevation and Technology Center, 1200 S. Sunset St. The greenhouse is behind the school, which can be found on Sunset Street around the south side of the building.
The agricultural education program is designed for students that have a desire to learn about the science, business and technology of plant and animal production.
“Through our agricultural education, students are provided opportunities for leadership development, personal growth and career success,” instructor Lauren Hart said in a release.
Courses include introduction to agriscience and advanced agriscience, agribusiness, three animal science courses and two years of greenhouse management.
“While the greenhouse management class manages and carries out the majority of all greenhouse operations from seed to sale, there are 100 agriscience students that contribute to the success of the annual plant sale,” Hart said.
The greenhouse courses allow students to focus on the biology of horticulture plants and basic horticulture practices while caring for the program’s on-site greenhouse, responsible for planting, watering, and cultivating a variety of flowers, and bedding plants and vegetables. Students are involved in all facets of the plant sale.
“They select the seeds and materials to order at the beginning of the year, scheduling, planting, caring for the plants and working with customers during the sale,” Hart said. “The greenhouse must be cared for seven days a week and students are attending the greenhouse during class, after school, weekends and during school breaks.”
The greenhouse works to be self-sufficient. Profits made from this year’s sale will be used to support the materials and products needed for next year’s sale.
“With the proceeds made, we are also able to support students to attend leadership and competitive events through the Future Farmers of America organization,” Hart said. “Profits also support students attending agriculture and green industry events, and business tours that will benefit them today and throughout their lives as they prepare to be consumers and employees of the world's largest industry.”
