TCC Horticulture Department Hosts Annual Spring Plant Sale to Support Student Learning and Community Gardening

The Tidewater Community College (TCC) Horticulture Department is gearing up for its much-anticipated Annual Spring Plant Sale, a beloved tradition for the local community and a crucial fundraiser for the department’s program. This year’s sale will take place Wednesday and Thursday, April 23–24, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chesapeake Campus Greenhouses, located behind the Whitehurst Building (Room 2067), 1428 Cedar Rd.

The Spring Plant Sale is the largest horticulture event of the year and features an impressive selection of plants grown and tended to by TCC’s dedicated horticulture students. From vibrant spring blooms like geraniums and verbena to a variety of perennials, herbs, tropical houseplants, and even vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini, the sale offers something for every garden enthusiast. Additionally, shoppers will find beautiful 10” hanging baskets, bedding plants, and an assortment of healthy houseplants.

This event is not only a way for local gardening enthusiasts to acquire marvelous plants, but it also plays a role in supporting the students who are gaining hands-on experience through TCC’s horticulture program. The plant sale serves as a significant source of supplemental income for the program, helping to cover the cost of instructional supplies and materials that are essential for classroom instruction. 

All the plants available for purchase are grown by the students themselves as part of their curriculum. Beginning in the fall semester, students in the Crop Production I class plant perennials that will be ready for sale in the spring, while students in the Crop Production II class focus on growing annuals, vegetables, and herbs. Students also play an active role in the organization and running of the sale, from potting plants to assisting and checking out customers during the event. Their involvement is a part of their class requirements, and it is an opportunity for them to apply the skills they have learned in the classroom with real-world experience. 

The Spring Plant Sale is not only beloved for its connection to education and community, but also for the high-quality of the plants sold. 

“We get complimented all the time on how healthy and large the plants are,” said Horticulture Department head Andrea Tomlin. “Customers often mention how long our plants last compared to others they’ve bought elsewhere.” 

Tomlin attributes the sought-after quality of their plants to the constant love and care the students put into their work. 

“I mean we really take care of them, we’re constantly cleaning them, fertilizing them, using integrated pest management principles on them; we try to avoid using any type of synthetic chemicals on them, try to do as much organic with them as possible. That’s what we try to teach and promote to the students too,” she said. 

The annual sale has grown in popularity over the years, with customers traveling from as far as Richmond and Elizabeth City to participate. The event has become so successful that it often sells out quickly, making it a must-visit for gardeners eager to find top-quality plants.

 “It’s unbelievable the amount of traffic flow that comes through our plant sale,” said Tomlin. “The first day is the busiest, and within two days, everything is gone.”

TCC’s horticulture program offers a well-rounded curriculum that covers everything from plant cultivation to landscape design, providing students with a solid foundation for a future career in horticulture. Students benefit from hands-on training in state-of-the-art facilities, including the college’s greenhouses, where they gain practical experience in floriculture and crop production. The Spring Plant Sale is one of the most rewarding aspects of their education, and the public’s continued support helps ensure that the program remains strong for years to come.

If you’re looking to enhance your garden or add a new plant to your collection, be sure to visit the TCC Horticulture Department’s Spring Plant Sale. With prices ranging from $1 to $20 and an array of beautiful, healthy plants on offer, it’s the perfect opportunity to support local students and bring some new greenery into your home. Please note that only cash or checks are accepted at the sale. 

For more information about TCC’s Horticulture Program visit https://www.tcc.edu/programs/horticulture/ .