The GHS greenhouse class has been working hard, growing enough plants to supply the FFA Plant Sale, happening next week. Photo courtesy of Madelyn Vaca

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Gridley High School’s greenhouse class has been getting their hands dirty in preparation for the FFA Annual Plant Sale, spring edition.

Greenhouse class students under the horticulture pathway at GHS have been utilizing the greenhouse located northeast of the football field to grow a variety of plants for the public to purchase at their upcoming sales.

Madelyn Vaca, ag teacher and FFA adviser, extends an invitation to the public on behalf of her students to the plant sales planned for Tuesday, April 21 and Thursday, April 23, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the greenhouse.

Vaca said that the selection is limited this year but that there is a nice variety of plants.

“Every year students are given a list of availability from our plant wholesaler,” said Vaca. “As a class, they decide what they want to plant.”

Students hold premade hanging baskets full of sunny flowers for brightening your patio or your front step. These will be ready for purchase at the upcoming FFA Plant Sale. Photo courtesy of Madelyn Vaca

Vaca said that shoppers can expect flowers, peppers, succulents, hanging pots and a limited supply of tomatoes at the upcoming sale, all at affordable prices. Students have even practiced propagating succulent plants.

“Our succulents have been propagated from the past several years.” said Vaca.

The funds raised from plant sales return to the program, supporting growing opportunities for horticulture pathway students.

“I have one class of 35 that does all the hard work.” said Vaca, acknowledging the effort and care that each of her students puts into the greenhouse project.

“This class is also dual enrolled,” said Vaca, meaning that students also receive college credit for Butte College horticulture classes.

The GHS FFA Plant Sale will accept cash and check only. The greenhouse can be difficult to find. To reach it, proceed east on Hazel Street, taking the loop north toward the school. When the road begins to curve left toward the main high school and East Spruce Street, there will be two roads on the right. Take the second road and head east past the football and baseball fields until reaching the large FFA barn and greenhouse.