Sweet Briar College’s greenhouse is a 26,000 square foot structure with nine bays and an automated environmental control system. In addition to growing space, there is classroom/event area and cold storage.

Students have many pathways to involvement in the greenhouse.  They may enroll in a one-credit hands-on course dedicated to learning about greenhouse operations; other classes across the curriculum also integrate the greenhouse into their labs and problem-based learning activities.  For those students seeking even more involvement, they may choose to pursue a capstone or research project involving the greenhouse.  Additionally, there are paid greenhouse assistant positions; these student workers help with the day-to-day operations of the structure, including planting, harvesting, and tending crops.

Our greenhouse supplies campus dining services with a range of fresh produce, including cucumbers, tomatoes, basil, Swiss chard, beets, kale, and pepper, as well as hydroponically-grown lettuce and arugula.