Southwest to build new greenhouse
February 25, 2015
Charlea Mills
Due to an increased interest in their greenhouse-oriented classes, Southwest Schools is building a new greenhouse to replace their old one.
Part of the project, which will cost $73,875, will be paid for by a vocational-technical grant, the remaining $32,320 was approved to be paid for by the district. The new greenhouse is expected to be completed in May, according to Southwest R-V Superintendent Bob Walker
The main reasoning behind the project was the need to replace the existing greenhouse. Repairing the current greenhouse was going to cost almost as much as building a new one, and the increased energy efficiency will save the district money each month on heat and electricity use.
According to ag teacher Chris Hunt, “The goal of the greenhouse project is to provide a hands-on educational environment for students enrolled in Agriculture Science II, Plant Science and Greenhouse Management. The new greenhouse will allow the ability to provide our students to grow their own plants while learning how to manage a greenhouse.” The classes Hunt mentioned are geared toward freshman through seniors, depending on the individual course requirements and goals. However, middle school students will also utilize the facility to learn about growing plants, as well.
Hunt continued, “Students will learn the anatomy of plants and conduct research projects on plants, as well. Students will be able to identify different styles of greenhouses, as well as different types of plants.” Other focuses include teaching students how to run a greenhouse, identify diseases and pests.
A variety of vegetables are slated for the new greenhouse, including tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, banana peppers, jalapenos, sweet peppers and lettuce. Other plants, including marigolds, petunias, begonias, geraniums and many others will also be grown. Hunt said, “The students will also learn principles of floral design and construct hanging baskets. The hope is that in late April to early May, the Agriculture Program would have a community plant sale to sell what the students have grown.”
According to Walker, the project was bid on by two different companies with the winning bid going to Jamison Construction Company, who does gable-style construction. Walker said the tentative time line is to have the demolition of the old greenhouse begin as soon as possible. In April, the contractor will begin construction and the new greenhouse should be completed in four weeks. By early to mid May, the school’s greenhouse should be fully functioning, including the electrical, plumbing, propane and all structural components.
The new greenhosue will be located in the same place that the old greenhouse was which is just west of the ag building at the school.
Charlea Mills
Due to an increased interest in their greenhouse-oriented classes, Southwest Schools is building a new greenhouse to replace their old one.
Part of the project, which will cost $73,875, will be paid for by a vocational-technical grant, the remaining $32,320 was approved to be paid for by the district. The new greenhouse is expected to be completed in May, according to Southwest R-V Superintendent Bob Walker
The main reasoning behind the project was the need to replace the existing greenhouse. Repairing the current greenhouse was going to cost almost as much as building a new one, and the increased energy efficiency will save the district money each month on heat and electricity use.
According to ag teacher Chris Hunt, “The goal of the greenhouse project is to provide a hands-on educational environment for students enrolled in Agriculture Science II, Plant Science and Greenhouse Management. The new greenhouse will allow the ability to provide our students to grow their own plants while learning how to manage a greenhouse.” The classes Hunt mentioned are geared toward freshman through seniors, depending on the individual course requirements and goals. However, middle school students will also utilize the facility to learn about growing plants, as well.
Hunt continued, “Students will learn the anatomy of plants and conduct research projects on plants, as well. Students will be able to identify different styles of greenhouses, as well as different types of plants.” Other focuses include teaching students how to run a greenhouse, identify diseases and pests.
A variety of vegetables are slated for the new greenhouse, including tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, banana peppers, jalapenos, sweet peppers and lettuce. Other plants, including marigolds, petunias, begonias, geraniums and many others will also be grown. Hunt said, “The students will also learn principles of floral design and construct hanging baskets. The hope is that in late April to early May, the Agriculture Program would have a community plant sale to sell what the students have grown.”
According to Walker, the project was bid on by two different companies with the winning bid going to Jamison Construction Company, who does gable-style construction. Walker said the tentative time line is to have the demolition of the old greenhouse begin as soon as possible. In April, the contractor will begin construction and the new greenhouse should be completed in four weeks. By early to mid May, the school’s greenhouse should be fully functioning, including the electrical, plumbing, propane and all structural components.
The new greenhosue will be located in the same place that the old greenhouse was which is just west of the ag building at the school.