Belgreen students are getting the opportunity to test out their green thumbs with new raised garden beds, thanks to a partnership with the Franklin County Extension and the Shoals Master Gardeners.

April 23-24, John Norton with the Shoals Master Gardeners went to the Belgreen campus and, with the help of some of the students, built two raised garden beds out of wood. They planted strawberries, bell peppers, onions, okra, radishes and tomatoes.

“Students in grades Pre-K through 12th grade will be or have already been involved in this garden project in some capacity,” said instructional technology teacher Jessica Hamilton.

During the summer, students in the TRACKS program will maintain the gardens, and Hamilton said they hope to keep the garden going throughout the fall months as well.

“Students will have the opportunity to harvest what they have grown and get to taste the strawberries and vegetables. We will also have cooking demonstrations for students with ingredients from the harvest,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton said it is her hope all of the students will participate and learn from this new opportunity.