DES MOINES, Iowa – An abbreviated version of Central Campus’ plant sale this weekend will give those in the Des Moines area access to affordable plants while also supporting Des Moines Public Schools Central Campus’ agriscience program.

Everything in the greenhouse on County Line Road was grown by DMPS students. Types of plants range from perennials and annuals to vegetables like tomatoes and peppers. Other house plants, like cacti, are also included in the sale. All money made will go towards the agriscience program.

This year, the sale is just two days–Friday, May 2nd, and Saturday, May 3rd– from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Prices at the sale are lower than normal due to the short time frame, as everything must go!

As part of the agriscience program, students learn how to take care of plants and animals. It’s had quite the impact, with some students changing their career trajectory. Students in the class also have the opportunity to go on field trips to companies like Corteva and John Deere.

There has been some uncertainty surrounding the future of the agriscience program. The FFA (Future Farmers of America) and MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences) chapters are remaining, which is a relief to students involved in those organizations. Students will be able to continue to work on projects through independent study.

However, agriscience classes will not be held next school year. A DMPS press release attributes this to declining enrollment in the program and says the district is in talks with the city of Des Moines and Des Moines Botanical Gardens to form a partnership for the agriscience greenhouse. Beyond that, there is uncertainty around the program’s future. Students in the class right now hope there will still be plenty of plant sales to come.

For more information on the plant sale, visit the Central Campus Horticulture Facebook page or email dmpsplantsale@gmail.com.