Monticello FFA acquired a greenhouse in 1999. Once the greenhouse was built, the teacher and students knew they would have big plans for it. Students who choose to take an ag horticulture class have the opportunity to experience this. Throughout the year, high school students have worked very hard and diligently to create a successful greenhouse. At the start, Mrs. Bunselmeyer was here to establish the greenhouse. Since 2011, Mrs. Elizabeth Rost has taken over.
Over the 2025-2026 school year, students have been incredible about contributing to the greenhouse. Horticulture class is something I hear from a lot of students that they look forward to attending every other day. Students spend their class time going out to the greenhouse to plant, ensure plant health, and make sure it is a clean environment for everyone. Luke Mumm and myself are greenhouse managers who help maintain the greenhouse 24/7. Luke stated, “The hardest problem we ran into this year was getting the aquaponics system set up, getting the fish tank ready, and [getting] the fish in there safely so we could properly grow lettuce in the secondary tank.” Even with various electrical and mechanical issues, Mrs. Rost is open to implementing newer technology as it becomes available. This adds to our learning environment, which enhances our understanding of our world.
For this year’s plant sale we are offering a variety of annual and perennial flowers and a bunch of herbs and vegetables. Mrs. Rost stated, “We have 3 packs and 4.5 inch pots and some planters and hanging baskets!” The ’25-’26 class has planted these plants themselves and have worked hard to keep them healthy. Over the years, the high school has received many phenomenal compliments from the community on how well the plants are taken care of, the variety of offerings, the student knowledge, and how well the greenhouse is maintained by the students.
The Monticello FFA and Horticulture students invite the community to come to our annual plant sale. We will open to the public April 28th and 30th from 9am-4pm and May 2nd 8am-2pm. Our last sale will be May 9th 8-11am. We have something for everyone! Plus, each purchase funds our continuing horticulture program for many more years. We hope to see you there!!
Lydia McFalls, Staff Writer
mcfly26@sages.us
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