JEROMESVILLE — Knox Lewis has always loved the outdoors.
The Hillsdale sophomore said he thrives in a school environment where he can be hands-on, rather than sitting in the classroom all day. Combined with his love for the outdoors, it made the school’s greenhouse class a good option for him.
The course, taught by Hillsdale Future Farmers of America advisor Lindsay Bowen, gives students instruction in plant care, nutrition, identification and more.
Students also spend most of the school year preparing for the annual FFA Plant Sale.
Hillsdale’s 2025 plant sale
This year’s plant sale takes place May 15-17 and May 22-24. Hours are as follows:
- May 15, 16, 22, 23 — 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- May 17, 24 — 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The sale takes place at Hillsdale Local Schools, located at 479 Township Road 1902.
Prices are listed below:
- Annual bedding plants: $3 each, or 10 for $27
- Vegetables: $2 each, or 10 for $18
- Hanging baskets: $15 each, or 2 for $28
The proceeds from the sale raise funds for the school’s FFA chapter. Those funds pay for awards, meetings, travel, competitions and contests.
Those preparations begin with students using a catalog to order annuals in October.
Then, once the plants begin arriving in February, students are tasked with taking care of them until the sale. As they get closer to the sale dates, students have the chance to try their hand designing hanging baskets or designing custom pots for customers.
Learning life skills
Lewis and his classmates said the experience teaches them life skills beyond the classroom. Lewis’ twin brother Kael also took Bowen’s greenhouse class this year.
Kael Lewis said the plant sale showed him how to run a business — something he potentially hopes to do in the future. Those business skills and the skills gained from learning how to care for plants have also proved helpful for Jerilyn Huff.
Huff, another sophomore in the course, said her dad owns a greenhouse. That makes the skills she’s learned through the course even more valuable.
Plus, Bowen said for many students, it’s a good chance to get outside and be hands-on.
“We get to have fun out here,” Knox Lewis said. “It’s a class I look forward to.”
