By Student Reporter: Priyanka Phaniraj
Germantown, Tennessee-- September, 21, 2021--Focusing on food deserts, the horticulture classes, FFA, and other agricultural related clubs have come together to engage with nature and support St. Jude’s Garden. Under the guidance of Mrs. Gretchen Rose, Houston High School’s agricultural sciences teacher, students were able to grow a total of 1700 seedlings which were transported to Memphis Tilth who then transported them to the St. Jude Garden. Due to the frost last year, the garden lost most of its crops, so all grade levels gathered together and planted a variety of produce such as tomato, cucumber, spinach, romaine lettuce, spinach, and mixed lettuce. Each vegetable is organic, planted in organic soil, and therefore was grown without chemicals or pesticides. Over almost 30 to 90 days beginning in January, students worked diligently and carefully to ensure that this project succeeds. Mrs. Rose is grateful for the Greenhouse and Potting Room (near the annex building) and hopes that her “students can expand this project into seasonal harvests to continue to produce more for our community.”