University of Mount Olive Plant Sale Returns
April 6, 2026
Contact: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations
MOUNT OLIVE, NC — Rows of vibrant blooms, the scent of fresh herbs, and vegetable plants will once again mark the return of the University of Mount Olive’s annual Plant Sale on Friday, April 10, from 9 AM to 5 PM at the University greenhouse, located at 205 Bert Martin Drive. The rain date is scheduled for Saturday, April 11.
The event brings together students, faculty, and the community for a day centered on hands-on learning and seasonal gardening. Visitors can browse a wide variety of plants grown by UMO students, including colorful annuals such as petunias, marigolds, coleus, geraniums, and zinnias, along with vegetables plants like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and spinach. Culinary herbs, roses, tropical plants, and ferns will also be available.
With most items priced between $2 and $12, the sale offers an accessible way for gardeners to prepare for the spring season while supporting student education.
Behind each plant is a semester of work. Students enrolled in AGE 240 (Horticulture Techniques) are responsible for propagating, growing, and preparing the plants for sale, managing the process from early production stages to final presentation. Members of the Plant Science Club also assist, helping ensure the greenhouse is ready for the community event.
The sale serves as more than a fundraiser. It provides a real-world learning environment where students apply classroom knowledge, take ownership of crop production, and interact with customers. “This plant sale is more than just an event. It is a full learning experience,” said Dr. Jennifer Bradley, Associate Professor of Plant Science. “Students are involved in every step, from propagation to final sale, gaining skills that prepare them for careers in horticulture while also giving back to the program that supports them.”
Proceeds from the sale are reinvested directly into the Plant Science program, supporting greenhouse operations, supplies, and future crop production within the House of Raeford Farms School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. Community members are encouraged to arrive early for the best selection.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
