Greenhouse management learned by OHS students

Students in the Greenhouse Management class have been hard at work! Since the beginning of February, they have been responsible for daily operations and the needs of more than 2,000 plants. Students have learned how to properly sow tomato, jalapeño, peppers, marigold, basil and lemon grass seeds. They have learned how to propagate new plants from existing 'mother' plants and have successfully propagated geraniums, aloe vera, Christmas cactus, willow trees and philodendron.

Their new knowledge also includes understanding the proper care and nutrients that plants need to survive and succeed. This includes following a watering and fertilizing schedule, transplanting, pinching back plants as well as dead-heading flowers. Students discovered the importance of proper nutrients when many of our tomato seedlings were turning purple. Through research, they discovered that the tomato seedlings were lacking phosphorus. Their solution was a mixture of Epsom salt and water sprayed on the seedlings daily. Within one and half weeks the seedlings were doing great.

Recognition of possible safety hazards as well as how to fix them was also covered. Students installed more gravel to help with slip hazards, hose-hooks were installed to help alleviate trip hazards and broken bricks in pathways were replaced.

Many students have seen the great connection between what they have learned and possible future job opportunities. They now have the knowledge and skills necessary for them to work at a nursery of greenhouse after high school.

With Spring Fling right around the corner, students are busily working on making beautiful hanging baskets and making sure all plants look their best. On Saturday, April 27, from 9-5 the FFA hosts a plant sale from the greenhouse to help insure all members have funds to participate in state competitions this May. It's truly wonderful that one greenhouse can support so many students in so many ways.