Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
Some people say, “teens these days don’t know how to do anything except get on that phone.” Craig County Future Farmers of America dispute that sentiment.
Ben Flinchum, an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, is teaching his students the fundamentals of growing a garden and also how to prosper in the sales of their plants.
His students started planting hundreds of seeds in mid-February.
The goal was to reap the benefits of creating a lot of plants to sell to their families and the community.
“Need a new hobby or the ability to grow your own food?” they asked. “We have the perfect solution. Come by the CCHS Greenhouse to see for yourself and help support CCFFA.”
Tori Blevins, FFA Treasurer, shared that they are raising funds for the future agriculture classes and FFA members.
“The funds are mainly used for purchasing material, student projects and shop necessities,” she added.
Their plants are set up in their greenhouse, which is located behind the schools, in front of the football field.
They include: cucumbers, pickling cucumbers, old German tomatoes, Cherokee purple tomatoes, Brandywine tomatoes, Oxheart tomatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.
They also have marigolds, other flowers and hanging baskets with fuchsia-colored petunias. Pictures and more information can be found on the Craig County FFA Facebook page.
The greenhouse is currently open every Friday (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.), Saturday (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and Sunday (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.). Times are updated weekly as they hope to continue the sales through the beginning of May.
They can only accept cash or checks made to Craig County FFA.
“Mr. Flinchum has done really well in building the FFA group back up,” Blevins shared. “We hope to continue improving over the coming years.”
Prices are four plants for $2 or a flat of 48 for only $20.
When people enter, they are asked to observe the social distancing protocol during their visit.
We will be limiting the number of customers in the greenhouse and practicing other hygiene routines as suggested by the CDC. Thank you so much to the Craig County citizens who have really helped us out this year,” said Blevins with a smile.
One citizen added, “They are helping the community to be self-reliant by providing the baby plants for people to start their own garden.”