STC expanded its activities with schools in Spring 2009  by piloting a business and enterprise scheme. This involved schools growing bedding plants using STC facilities.

Six local schools were selected and a short presentation made to teaching staff and Year 5 or 6 pupils. The children decided which bedding species to grow from a list of 8 plus a few vegetables. They decided how many trays to grow, pricked the plug plants out at school or STC with the plants grown on at STC for 4-6 weeks. During the growing period they would have to develop a marketing strategy after doing some market research, set prices and get orders!. STC provided free plug plants and seed but charged the schools for trays, pots, compost and rent for the glasshouse area used.

The scheme was a great success with several schools taking it very seriously and setting up Board of Directors. Most schools made between £300 and £500 profit after deducting costs. The children then decided how to spend the profit.

Based on this initial success we will be expanding to 10 schools in 2010 and are encouraged by the very positive feedback from parents and schools.

Potting plants in mid April

2 weeks before dispatch