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Every spring, the FCHS Greenhouse offers a plant sale to the general public, providing high-quality, low-cost flowers and vegetables just in time for spring planting. One of the classes involved in making this sale a success is the 2nd block Intro to Plants class, which focuses on growing plants and selling them to raise money for the Fluvanna Future Farmers of America (FFA) club. “If the plants are not carefully prepared and grown, they won’t grow properly and won’t sell as well,” said Agriculture teacher Russell Jennings.

The greenhouse behind the school is used to grow plants such as eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes, flowers, and even fruits like pineapples. There are also an estimated 20,000 plants in the greenhouse, which is continuously maintained throughout the year. Students who have a passion for agriculture tend to enjoy this class.

Students, such as juniors Bridgette Thomson and Alexandria Swingle, have to frequently water these plants throughout the school day. They sometimes even come in on their days off school to take care of the greenhouse. “The hardest part of maintaining the greenhouse is the constant need of care and taking care of the greenhouse and chickens on weekends,” said Swingle.

Some of the skills students learn in Intro to Plant include responsibility, teamwork, and how to properly take care of plants. Students sometimes have to have a change of clothes because things can get messy being around plants and chicks, which the class also raises as part of the curriculum. “The responsibility in the class is germinating seeds, making sure every plant has proper care, and working together to water plants every day,” said Thomson.

During the sale, people can purchase plants in a variety of options: a smaller pack for $2, a four-pack for $4, 6-inch pots for $5, hanging baskets for $20, and flats for $30. You can also put together mixed plant pots for $10. The sale starts April 6.