Sweet Grown Alabama Blogs

Inside the student-operated greenhouses at Mary G. Montgomery High School in Semmes, Alabama, learning is alive, growing and thriving. Known as Viking Horticulture, this agriscience program blends science, business, and leadership into a hands-on educational experience that prepares students for careers while serving the local community. As the program prepares for its highly anticipated Spring Plant Sale beginning March 17, the greenhouses are buzzing with activity and purpose.

Operating under the MGM Academy of Agribusiness, Viking Horticulture is far more than a traditional class. The plant systems courses function as a working laboratory where students manage real crops in a professional greenhouse setting. Every plant grown inside the program’s seven greenhouses represents a lesson in responsibility and applied science. Students oversee the entire production process, from seed selection and propagation to irrigation, fertilization and environmental control. Through this work, they gain practical life skills while also exploring how agriculture intersects with technology, sustainability and business.

The program is closely tied to the school’s FFA chapter, Semmes FFA, which emphasizes leadership development alongside technical knowledge. Members participate in competitions, community outreach, and career development events that build confidence and communication skills. Viking Horticulture serves as the foundation for these experiences, providing a real-world setting where students practice professionalism, teamwork and problem-solving. It’s an environment that reinforces consistency, attention to detail and pride in their work.

Preparation for the annual Spring Plant Sale is one of the most exciting seasons of the year. Weeks before opening day, students plant vegetables, herbs, bedding plants, and hanging baskets destined for gardens across the Gulf Coast. Viking Horticulture becomes a hub of coordination as students monitor growth stages and ensure each crop meets quality standards. The sale is not simply a fundraiser; it is the culmination of months of planning, collaboration and applied learning.

An essential part of the academy’s curriculum is teaching students that successful growing requires more than soil and sunlight; it demands thoughtful planning and financial responsibility. Students participate in budgeting for crops, calculating production costs, forecasting sales and managing inventory decisions. By working with real numbers tied to a real operation, they see how careful planning influences profitability and sustainability. These lessons extend beyond the greenhouse, equipping students with practical financial skills and a deeper understanding of goal setting and strategic thinking. The funds raised remain within the program, supporting educational opportunities and improvements that benefit future students.

Equally important is the connection the plant sale creates between the school and the Semmes community. Customers are welcomed into the greenhouses to interact with students, ask gardening questions and witness learning firsthand. A simple plant purchase becomes a meaningful investment in education and youth development. This partnership strengthens community pride while giving students authentic experience in customer service and communication.

As March 17 approaches, excitement inside Viking Horticulture continues to grow. Each tray of seedlings reflects dedication, teamwork and future leadership. Students are cultivating skills that last far beyond the final sale day.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Sweet Grown Alabama.