Ag students show off green thumbs

ODESSA – Students in the Odessa ag shop greenhouse management class have been hard at work, says ag teacher HaLee Walter. Since early February, they have been responsible for daily operations in the greenhouse and the needs of more than 2,000 plants. Students have learned how to properly sow tomatoes, jalapenos, bell peppers, cabbage, zucchini, pumpkin marigolds and basil, as well as how to propagate new plants from existing mother plants. They have also successfully propagated spider plants, Christmas cactus and angel-wing begonias.

Their new knowledge also includes understanding the proper care of plants and the nutrients they need to survive and succeed. This includes following a watering and fertilizing schedule, transplanting, pinching back plants and dead-heading flowers. Students also maintain the school flower beds by removing invasive species, laying new bark and pruning back plants.

Walter says, "Many students have seen connections 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 or greenhouse after high school."

Spring Fling is this weekend, and students are busy working on making hanging baskets and making sure all the plants look their best. On Saturday, April 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the FFA hosts a plant sale from the greenhouse parking lot to help insure all members have funds to participate in statewide competitions taking place in May. "It's truly wonderful that one greenhouse can support so many students in so many ways," adds Walter.