Tipton County, with its rich tradition of agriculture and the home of many plant-based companies, now has another resource to impact the local community.
Led by Tipton High School agricultural teachers Stacey Hartley, Jessica Nichols and Emily Pafford, Total Seed Production Greenhouse has been open for close to a year. The team held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony in August of 2023. It originated from the excitement and passion that came with the addition of three tower gardens, which are vertical aeroponic towers used for farming and gardening. The towers were received through a National FFA/Tractor Supply Grants for Growing grant that Tipton High School administrators applied for in the spring of 2019.
The first space in the greenhouse was a 42-by-72-foot greenhouse known as the potting room. Students utilize tables, a sink, soil and storage areas to complete labs, activities and, of course, potting. Automated control systems are housed in this space along with an evaporative cooling system and heating unit, along with electronic leaf irrigation, flood table and hanging basket irrigation.
The greenhouse also boasts two methods for soilless production systems, including aquaponics and hydroponics. The nutrient firm technique hydroponics system allows students to grow lettuce and basil, which is eventually donated to the Good Shepherd Food Pantry and Tipton High School culinary courses.
Between the grow towers and the greenhouse, Tipton High School was able to supply over 300 gallon-sized bags of lettuce to the food pantry during the 2023-2024 school year. Additionally, the greenhouse team hosted tours for local nursing homes to see the facilities, and each visitor took home their own plant to decorate their room with. Any leftover plants are donated to a variety of groups including teachers, staff and administration at Tipton schools, as well as local landscaping projects.
In the last year, Total Seed Production Greenhouse has partnered with local organizations in the community by donating fresh greens, and hosted a plant sale to highlight what Tipton High School students have learned and grown. The team continues to teach students skills in plant growth, reproduction, greenhouse management and greenhouse design.
For the current school year, the best way for students to get involved is by taking agriculture classes starting in seventh grade with agricultural leadership. Agriculture students in grades seven through 12 get to spend time in the greenhouse. Students learn about the structures and growth processes of plants in general, select the plants grown for the plant sale, and care for them throughout the school year.
Looking forward, all three agriculture teachers would like to incorporate more community organizations into the activities they do throughout the year, and expand learning opportunities for Tipton High School students, all with the support from the community, administration, and the Friends of Tipton FFA.
