Text Box: RamPage • Victor Valley College April 28, 2006 • Page #

Plant sale benefits campus department
Text Box: Story and Photos By Charlene Jones RamPage Reporter

     The Agriculture and Natural Resources Department puts on a plant sale two times a year. The most recent sale was on April 21-22 and the next sale is normally during the second week of October.

     The students grow all of the plants that are sold. The plants are all grown from seeds or cuttings. When they grow the plants they take many variables into consideration including the water amount, heat tolerance, cold tolerance and also make sure that all of the plants are on the California invasive list.

      “The students make their own soil,” said Terri Blomker, the community education and outreach coordinator. The soil is made with sand, Ozmacote and other a few other ingredients.

        The sales of the plants are very competitive with commercial nurseries. The one

gallon landscapes sell for $3. All of the money goes back into the department for pots, seeds and other tools needed for growing the plants.

    The department sold 80 different types plants including landscaping plants, houseplants, vegetables, and herbs. “We have 26 varieties of tomatoes,” said Blomker.  The tomatoes are organically or heirloom grown. The heirloom tomatoes have been passed down for hundreds of years and are known for having the hardiest flavors. The way that the heirlooms are passed down is by scraping out the seeds, drying them and then replanting them the next year.

     The agriculture department also offers the students four to six scholarships each year. “ We take care of each other like a family,” said Blomker about helping their students with receiving scholarships.

     The Agriculture and Natural Resources Department offer many

classes. Coming up May 6, 10 and 17 it is offering a Strawbale Building Workshop (Section No. 3740) that is one unit. Students can sign up on Web Advisor or at the class.

     For any questions about the class or any of the programs that the department offers, contact Terri Blomker at blomkert@vvc.edu or 245-4271 extension 2204.

     The department also has its own website:

www.mojavesustainability. org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Text Box: Agriculture and Natural Resources Department Strawbale Building Workshop starting at TechX May 6, 10, 17 Section 3740 1 Unit Sign up on Web Advisor or adding at the class will be available. For more info contact Terri Blomker at blomkert@vvc.edu or 245-4271 extension 2204