Specialty Crop

Students in the Whitcomb FFA Horticulture Program at Moorcroft Secondary School learn about many aspects of plant sciences, horticulture, gardening, greenhouse management (including light and temperature regulation), business management, and marketing.

In addition to classroom activities, they get hands-on experience in a 20ʹ × 24ʹ greenhouse at the school. Students grow a variety of vegetables, fruits, and flowers, which are sold to the public several times during the year as a fund-raising project for FFA.

“The tomatoes are the first thing to go, as they are really popular among the locals for homemade salsa,” says teacher Hugh Jenkins. “Other very popular items include hot peppers, onions, beans, watermelon, and flowers, including marigolds, Easter lilies, and poinsettias.”