Stanton pupils learn value of greenhouse planting

HAMMONDSVILLE -- Business is blooming at Stanton Elementary School as third-graders have undertaken their Smarty Plants Greenhouse project.

Teacher Alicia Hartman said her 49 students sowed the seeds for their endeavor, beginning after their return from spring break.

The children planted a variety of flowers, vegetables and more to sell the starter plants online.

Hartman utilized a $660 Best Practices Grant from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center to help fund supplies and expects the project to be sustainable for years to come.

"The Smarty Plants Greenhouse is up and growing," she commented. "The third-graders have been busily planting, tending and composting throughout the spring season."

Their mission was to sell a few of their plants, including peppermint, Brussels sprouts and thyme. Hartman noted more than 230 seeds were planted. The pupils also constructed their own website to facilitate taking plant orders and selling to future customers."

She said the idea sprouted after she moved into a new classroom in the school building which included its own greenhouse.

"We plant every year as a third-grade skill and learn about life cycles," Hartman explained, adding the class keeps nearly 80 tadpoles and 10 butterflies that are released into their environment.

Hartman said her pupils planted the aforementioned items as well as zinnia, sunflowers, zucchini, mint, yellow squash, watermelon, pumpkins, catnip, lettuce and sweet peppers while gifted students are involved in creating the website.

The children planned to sell starter flats with three, four and six plants.

The students learned a great deal through their participation.

"They learned to be more environmentally-conscious and about the amount of sun and water the plants need to grow. There are questions about why the plants are blooming differently and I pointed out that we grow at different rates, just like plants. It teaches them patience."

Proceeds go back to the class for field trips and to help sustain the project. The students sold handmade rubberband bracelets and had a funding match from the Modern Woodmen of America organization to finance the trips. The children said they enjoyed being entrepreneurs and creating something that benefits themselves and others.

"I really do like it because it's unique, not just for the third grade but for other people to come and buy stuff," said Emma Hoobler.

"I think it's really unique because I don't know if any other third-grade class does this. I think it's really awesome," added Kendall McCourt.

"It's very interesting and fun," said Joey Adamovich, who is helped to create the website.

"It's really fun to have anything real in here and we have fun in this room," said Norah Gunn.

"I think everything we're doing is cool and helps nature," noted Koda Oliver. "The plants are pretty fun."

The website can be found at sites.google.com/edisonwildcats.org/smartyplantsgreenhouse.