Elma High School FFA will host a plant sale fundraiser beginning on May 1.

The Elma High School FFA chapter is hosting its annual Elma FFA Spring Plant Sale May 1-6, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Elma High School greenhouse.

Students enrolled in plant science grow a variety of hanging baskets, zonal geraniums, begonias, impatiens, petunias, trailing plants and more. These plants are sold to the public. The teens practice their plant knowledge as they assist customers with botanical questions and transact the sale.

The Elma High School greenhouse is located behind the Elma High School by the football field.

Elma High School plant science students are testing their “green-thumbs” in the Elma High School greenhouse.

The greenhouse serves as a plant science lab utilized for hands-on learning.

The curriculum takes the science of plant growth and applies it to greenhouse management. Students start seeds, propagate plants and plant a variety of annuals and perennials.

Students also market and sell the final product to the community.

The self-sustaining program returns the profits back into the agricultural science lab facilities to continue “the applied academic science” learning for future years. Profits also help the FFA chapter travel to state and national conventions and to host various community service projects.

Students earn credit while gaining valuable hands-on education and job readiness skills. Along with developing work ethic, students apply academic learning through scientific investigation.