The greenhouse at the Manteca Unified school farm stood dormant for years.

That was until recently when efforts were put forth by the Manteca Education & Training Center and the Ag Education Department to finally utilize the empty facility.

“We gutted the greenhouse back in October,” said instructor Ryan Costa on Monday.

Installed were Nutrient Film Technique trays, a popular hydroponics system used, as of now, to grow a variety of herbs and vegetables.

“It’s soilless so no one gets dirty,” said Costa, who added that the new MUSD Ag Greenhouse is completely automated with water and nutrients being recirculated on a 24-hour cycle.

The state-of-the-arts greenhouse features a controlled temperature environment – the hydroponic production method allows for plants to grow in a nutrient solution – while benefitting students in the Manteca Adult Transition Program.

They’re learning about the many facets of agriculture, from seeding and growing to harvesting and marketing.

Marie Millin, who is the Program Specialist for this special education program, pointed out that her students are between the ages of 18 through 22. They’re receiving an education in life skills and vocation.

Millin is hoping that the Ag Greenhouse will provide a great opportunity for her students in the long term.

Planting at the greenhouse started in December. Judy Schmidt, who is a clerical assistant at the Manteca Education & Training Center, described the early steps of planting – prior to being placed in the NFT trays – is putting the seeds in rock wool, an inorganic material made into matted fiber. It’s there that the seeds will germinate.

“It takes about 10 days from seed to transplant,” Costa said.

Students are involved in the entire process. For example, they’re checking regularly if the PH nutrients are being optimized on all plants.

Kristen Buck, who is the MUSD Ag Coordinator, estimates that 58 students from four classes are involved in this project.

Costa and Manteca Adult School Principal Brad Harrison are thrilled about students, in addition to learning life skills, acquiring job training in the ag field.

They’ve indicated that the herbs and vegetables produced in the greenhouse will eventually be harvested and sold to MUSD employees and the community – all this to be done by those in the adult transition program.

Millin indicated that her students are currently perusing the local super markets to get an idea on prices of produce.

Added Costa: “There’s a lot that could come out of this.”