Students' plants sold for bargain prices

At a greenhouse at Knightdale High School, you can find Gerber daisies, day lilies, petunias and begonias. In all, the greenhouse has more than 1,000 plants, including vegetables and hanging baskets – all grown by students.

It is part of a program several area schools are taking part in. They grow plants and then sell them to the public at bargain prices.

“They're very good plants and they're all natural,” said Kwmaine Todd, an 11th grader.

The plants are nurtured and grown by horticulture students at East Wake High School.

“It's pretty cool to see how everything progresses,” said Rachel Tant, an 11th grader.

The learning is hands on.

“You have to do every one of them right, because if you do them wrong, they won't grow, properly,” Tant said.

“Breaking the bad leafs off. Taking the leaves that are turning yellow and brown, and making it healthier,” said Lucas Rice, a 10th grader, of ways she takes care of the plants.

"All these plants are from seeds or cuttings. We haven't bought anything other than seeds," said Janet Harris, program director.

Harris says the students' plant in the fall and transplant throughout the year.

In addition to learning about horticulture, the students learn the basics of business when they sell the plants to the public.

“We normally sell the baskets for $5,” Harris said.

"It makes me feel kind of good," Todd said of his work with the plants.

May 7, after school at approximately 2:19 p.m.

Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., through the end of May or until plants sell out

Sale under way

Call school for sale information

Sale runs through end of May, or until plants sell out

Sales held within next two weeks

Sales through May 9

Sale runs until the end of school