Two months ago, the greenhouse behind Craig County Public Schools was unused. Today, it is full of growing garden vegetables.

With the help of some students from the Residential Leadership Community at Virginia Tech, middle and high school students have taken their greenhouse from dormant to vibrant; full of garden vegetables. The goal of the college students was to create a learning environment that could teach Craig County youth about sustainable food production, hopefully benefiting the county for years to come.

Since the beginning of February, 12 students at Virginia Tech have partnered with Ms. Lara Edwards, the agricultural educator at the middle and high school to make this goal happen. Before planting started in early April, donations, materials, and partnerships were sought out in the community. With the help of the Blacksburg location of Lowe’s and Craig County Farm Bureau, the project was in place to plant at the start of April.

Between the start of April and now, students from both schools have been hard at work planting tomatoes, peppers, watermelons, squash, and even cucumbers. Today, the greenhouse is fully functional under the care of Ms. Edwards and students. Before the school year ends, a community garden will be planted at the school complex, completing the process from seed to food.

-Submitted by Chandler Vaughan