Driving through Vermont this past week, it was easy to see how outdoor recreation among the community has significantly increased. The warmer weather has also encouraged the appearance of daffodils and crocuses, students longboarding to class, and an increase in foot traffic along the hiking trails of the Castleton campus.  

The shift to spring and summer is more than a season change for Vermont farmers and gardeners; this is the start of the growing season.  

The kickoff of the growing season is vital to a successful harvest for growers, making it one of the busiest times of the year. Several VTSU Castleton students take advantage of the university’s greenhouse as a study space.  

However, the ability to do so has proven difficult recently, as the tables are filled with new sprouts. Local farms and gardens are also in full swing, including Blume Vermont, a small-scale flower farm in Clarendon.  

MaryJo Callaghan, proprietor of Blume, constantly reinforces her love and importance of working with the earth.  

“As a life-long gardener and steward of the earth, I was raised to cultivate and treasure the gifts of gardening, farming, and Mother Nature,” Callaghan said.  

The VTSU Castleton Greenhouse and Garden Club hopes to collaborate with Blume at some point in the fall. Being able to understand how to use and maintain nutrients within the soil cannot be done without a strong understanding of sustainable practices and Blume promotes the usage of no-till beds, meaning disturbing the soil is minimized during planting and harvesting.  

The key benefits include maintaining and improving soil structure, enhancing water infiltration and supporting beneficial soil microorganisms.  

The health benefits of working outside go beyond being active and getting outside; there are studies present in the scientific community supporting the claim that working with the earth and soil can dramatically impact an individual’s mental health.  

“Plants undoubtedly make people happy, myself included,” said Professor Mary Droege.  

Events are hosted by the VTSU Castleton Sustainability Team for the entirety of Earth Week, to promote environmentally friendly practices. In collaboration with the events, the Greenhouse and Garden Club hosted an open house and plant sale on April 22.  

VTSU President, David Bergh, was present on campus and made an appearance at the event, leaving with a new houseplant in support of his students.  

“I’m pleased with the student efforts around campus,” Bergh said. “The efforts are more important than ever, and in reality, every day is Earth Day.”  

The club sold a variety of houseplants, along with homemade salves and soaps. Herbs grown in the garden were used to make both products. Refreshments were complimentary, including a lemon cake made by Droege. The Meyer lemons used in the cake were grown in the greenhouse. Students and faculty alike left the event with smiles on their faces and plants in-hand.  

“I was pleasantly surprised with the turnout,” Cora Godbout, current Greenhouse and Garden Club President said. “I’m always excited when people show interest in the greenhouse. It’s a great space.”  

The Greenhouse and Garden club offers students the opportunity to learn how to effectively work with plants and learn more about our relationship with the natural world.  

“There’s increasing importance that we treat every day as Earth Day,” Droege said. “Living your life in the awareness that we live simultaneously with our resources is vital.”  

The next plant sale will be held at the greenhouse on May 20 and 21. All are welcome.