BGM, HLV students open greenhouses

BROOKLYN — If you are looking for fresh veggies, herbs, hanging flower baskets or an array of individual flowers for your garden or porch, look no farther than the new BGM FFA Greenhouse.

Located at 1092 Jackson St., the greenhouse is west of the football field and south of the ball diamonds. Follow the driveway past the Bear Creek Kids Campus to get to the greenhouse.

The BGM greenhouse opened its doors Saturday, May 4.

Customers have their choice of fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers, and herbs, including parsley, chives and cilantro, for $3 each.

There is also a variety of hanging baskets for $25 each and individual flowers available for $4 each.

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The greenhouse was the idea of Morgan Dietrich, the agriculture teacher at HLV and BGM.

Dietrich said there had been discussion for several years about building a greenhouse in Victor. She thought it would be a good idea to also build one in Brooklyn.

“I wanted to give the students at BGM the same opportunity as the students at HLV,” she said.

The HLV FFA Greenhouse is located in Victor by the practice field. It opened Saturday, April 27.

Both greenhouses were built in September 2023 thanks in part to grant money, donations and the selling of mums at each school in the fall.

The grant money was also used to purchase soil, seeds, plugs and pots to get the greenhouse started.

FFA students at both schools planted all the flowers, vegetables and herbs during the last week of February and have been tending to the greenhouses before opening day.

They are also charged with watering the plants and helping customers.

“All the money raised will go toward purchasing next year’s supplies and plants,” said Dietrich.

“It’s fun to be at the greenhouse and interact with the customers,” said Connie Schott, a tenth grader and FFA member at BGM who worked opening day.

“I enjoy helping the customers pick out plants and vegetables. I also help with watering and tending to the plants.”

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“FFA is a great opportunity to learn skills that I will need in life,” said Madelynn Doty, another BGM sophomore and FFA member helping at the greenhouse opening day.

“We have learned a lot this year,” said Dietrich. “We have a lot more to learn. So far the community support has been fabulous.”

The BGM greenhouse will be open through Saturday, May 18, Monday through Friday from 7:30—10:30 a.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon.

Cash and checks are accepted. Checks should be made out to BGM FFA Greenhouse.

For more information, contact Dietrich at 319-430-6192 or via email at mdietrich@brooklyn.k12.ia.us.