Campbell’s General Horticulture Class Presents Early Harvest

Mrs. Sharon Harper’s first period General Horticulture class at displayed vegetables from an early harvest on Friday, Oct. 7. Students Hannah Smith and Nikki Fisher gave Campbell Assistant Principal Audra Saunders some fresh lettuce from the outdoor garden.

The Campbell Horticulture facilities include an indoor classroom, a greenhouse, a tree farm, a vegetable garden, and koi farm. Organizations such as Trees Atlanta and Keep Smyrna Beautiful also inspire students in their activities.

The tree farm includes magnolia, maple, and spruce trees. In addition to planting green beans, cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli, and three types of lettuce, the class also maintains an apple tree, a pineapple, and pumpkins. Later in October, some of the harvested vegetables will be shared with students at a special event in the greenhouse.

Despite the fact that students avoid pesticides and steroids, they have not had many problems with insects. The class feels that organically grown products are healthier and taste better.

Some recent projects by the General Horticulture class include landscaping behind the 2000 building, planting flowers by the front office, and planting flowers outside the principal’s office. Careers investigated by the class include indoor plant maintenance, landscape architecture, floral arranging, farming, grounds maintenance, and botany research.

Members of the General Horticulture class are achieving personal and professional goals by participating in the vocational curriculum.

Horticulture student Apiffany White is carrying on a family legacy established by her grandmother, an excellent gardener. Classmate Maritza Garcia is learning about soil enhancement and plant selection while Hannah Smith and Nikki Smith want to beautify home and community landscaping.

Pansies, bulbs, herbs, and marigolds are currently growing in the greenhouse. These plants will be sold along with vegetables at a Fall Plant Sale at the end of October or early November.

- Courtesy Campbell High School