FFA Plant sales blooming soon

MOSES LAKE — As the weather warms the plants start to bloom, including plants in local Future Farmers of America greenhouses. Several chapters across Grant County are gearing up to hold their annual plant sales.  

The Moses Lake FFA event will be held at the Moses Lake High School ag greenhouses located at the back of the school near the track. This year’s sale promises a diverse selection of plants, including unusual varieties and aesthetic hanging baskets cultivated by students. 

Tony Kern, the adviser for the Moses Lake FFA, shared that the annual plant sale is an important event for both the community and the school’s agricultural program.  

“We have about 350 hanging baskets this year, which we typically sell out of. It’s a big rush, and getting there early is beneficial,” Kern said, emphasizing the overwhelming community support that has developed over the years. “Our customers have been coming for more than 20 years, and they don’t miss it. It's a quality product and a quality price.” 

This year, customers can expect to find a wide array of plants including over a dozen varieties of petunias, geraniums, sweet potato vines and various vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers.  

“We’re seeing an exciting selection (of flowers) this year, including some unique colors of Bidens and Creeping Jennys,” Kern said, noting that the plants not only provide beauty for local gardens but also serve as a showcase of the hard work done by students in the horticulture program. 

The prices for the plants are also competitive, with hanging baskets ranging from $35 to $50, and four-pack flowers priced at $4 to $5.  

“We pride ourselves in being very competitively priced,” Kern said. “It’s a fundraiser that supports our ag program and the FFA activities. One hundred percent of the proceeds go directly back into our program.” 

Payment options have expanded, allowing for cash, check and card transactions to provide convenience to patrons.  

“We want to make it easy for our customers. Whatever works for them will work for us,” Kern said, adding that it’s a commitment to fostering community connection. 

The preparation for this event is a testament to the dedication of the students involved in the horticulture program, he said. Kern described how the students begin cultivating the plants as early as January.  

“There is a tremendous amount of work that goes into this sale. Easily 150 students are involved in growing, caring for, and watering the plants,” he said. “This culminates not just in a sale but in a comprehensive educational experience showing them propagation, growing techniques, and business skills.” 

This year’s sale marks an evolution of the program, which Kern has been part of for over two decades.  

“When I first started, we had one section of horticulture classes. Now we have five year-long horticulture classes, accommodating about 170 students," he said. 

The expansion has necessitated increased greenhouse space, with the program utilizing more than 5,000 square feet of greenhouse area to meet the growing demands of both students and the community. 

The significance of the plant sale extends beyond just raising funds. It fosters a spirit of engagement between students and the wider community.  

“This is more than just a plant sale; it allows our students to interact with the public, creating a positive image of youth in our community,” he said.  

As the organization prepares for the sale, Kern reflects on the essential role of the community’s support. 

“The community really backs us up, and we expect a wonderful turnout. We’ve built a loyal customer base, and it’s all about showing people what our kids can do,” he said.  

The sale also serves as a launchpad for various FFA activities, including contests and leadership development.  

“Every dollar goes directly back to our FFA activities, ensuring our students have the support they need to participate in events and competitions throughout the year,” Kern said. “It is vital for our program’s success.” 

The FFA plant sales will be a vibrant celebration of student achievement and community spirit. With fresh plants, knowledgeable young horticulturists, and all proceeds reinvested into the program, this year’s sale is poised to exceed expectations. 

For those interested in supporting local agriculture while beautifying their homes, upcoming weekends offer plant sales sponsored by FFA chapters throughout the Basin.  

FFA Plant Sales 

Moses Lake 

April 25, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

April 26, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Moses Lake High School Agriculture greenhouse  

803 Sharon Ave. E, Moses Lake, WA 98837 

Ephrata 

April 25 and 26 

Ephrata High School greenhouse 

333 4th Ave. NW, Ephrata, WA 98823 

Quincy  

April 24, 2 p.m. 

Quincy High School greenhouse 

403 Jackrabbit St., Quincy, WA 98848 

Mattawa 

May 2 to 4 

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Wahluke High School greenhouse 

505 N Boundary Rd., Mattawa, WA 99349 

Royal City 

May 2, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

May 3, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

May 4, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Royal High School greenhouse 

955 Ahlers Road N., Royal City, WA 99357 

Othello 

April 24 to 25 

3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Othello High School greenhouse 

304 S. 7th Ave., Othello, WA, 99344 

    Moses Lake Future Farmers of America and Moses Lake High School horticulture students work on preparing plants for the upcoming sale.
  

    Othello Future Farmers of America chapter is holding its plant sale April 24 and 25 at the Othello High School greenhouse.
  

    Royal High School horticulture students have been working daily to prepare for their annual plant sale on May 2 to May 4. Hanging baskets, vegetables and bedding plants will be available for purchase.