In 2002, PHS built a greenhouse that has been used as a valuable teaching tool for agriculture students ever since. It has been used for many purposes since its construction, including projects that would otherwise have been difficult to undertake. Over the last few years, it has helped grow thousands of plants for the annual plant sale at PHS, supplied fresh lettuce for students and staff at lunch, and even been used as a lab space for plant science, soil science, and horticulture. It is a great tool to teach students in these classes through hands-on learning and experiences.
At the end of each fall, students and staff prepare the greenhouse for winter. They are currently cleaning and reorganizing the greenhouse so they can ensure they have everything they might need through the winter. They have to check the heaters, fans, and irrigation systems to ensure they run all season smoothly. Students are also currently sanitizing trays, labeling the supplies, and preparing the planting areas for early propagation.
“The main thing to reset it is by cleaning it out, and making sure all of our systems are up and running for when we get our plants,” said Senior Dakota Mousty. “It doesn’t take a long time, but we had to fix our bucket system, so we are working hard to complete that. The kit we received didn’t come with all the tools we needed, so it delayed our progress a little bit, but once we get those tools, the greenhouse will be ready to have plants in it in no time!”
Agriculture teachers Cory Scott and Samatha Goen both help lead the students in setting everything up, but FFA members and their agriculture students usually take charge and do the majority of the preparation and hands-on work to get things ready.
“The greenhouse has really grown in the past couple of years because of the annual plant sale that we have in the spring, and by doing that, we can show our appreciation to our community,” said sophomore Caleb Bowles.
“While being in Advanced Plant and Soil Science, I have learned how to work better collaboratively, while also working better independently,” said Mousty.
At the end of winter, Goen’s agricultural classes will start preparing the greenhouse for their spring projects. This year, they plan to grow garden vegetables and a variety of flowers for the annual plant sale. This sale will even include hanging baskets, bedding plants, and starter vegetables. The students in the Advanced Plant and Soil Science class and the Introduction to Agriculture classes will manage the hands-on learning component this spring. They will do the planting, watering, and daily care for hands-on experience.
The hydroponic lettuce production will expand not only to supply lettuce to the school cafeteria but also to supply it to local community partners.
“We hope to have another successful growing season where students gain real-world experience managing a greenhouse from start to finish. Our goal is to increase community involvement through our spring plant sale, grow high-quality products, and continue expanding our hydroponic production. Most importantly, we hope students take pride in seeing their hard work pay off and learn valuable skills that will benefit them beyond high school,” said Goen.
