Cultivating the future: New Mexico-made greenhouses teach students importance of plants

SANTA FE, N.M. —

Dirt, sunshine and rain are some of the keys to life. All of those combined can create a harsh climate in New Mexico.

Plants like green chile have survived that harsh climate for decades, surviving long enough to ask the state question, “red or green?”

But how can other vegetables thrive year-round in these conditions? Rod Gesten shows us the secret to survival through a greenhouse he developed.

It all started when Gesten started planting at his home in Santa Fe. The rough terrain and low ground made it difficult to garden. Growing tired of the issues, he developed a special greenhouse.

The greenhouse allowed Gesten to learn what to grow, what to avoid and how to find ways to keep out weeds while letting rain in.

Gesten did this while planning his retirement. Once he perfected his greenhouse, it became a prototype.

“My thinking was, other people might have the same problem,” Gesten said. “Other people must be the looking the same way I am. And so, this could be a business.”

Gesten started showing his greenhouses at growers markets, eventually finding a customer. From there, his “mud hub” greenhouses evolved.

Now, the greenhouses can be put together as a do-it-yourself kit, but Gesten can also help with the planning and building.

Not only are gardeners learning from Gesten’s design, but middle school students are as well.

Polk Middle School in Albuquerque received a grant, and they purchased one of the greenhouses. They use it as an outdoor classroom for students. It allows students to grow their own plants.

“It helps me mature and knowing my responsibility with having to take care of fruits and vegetables because if you go one day behind, it can wilt,” said student Analisa Gonzales.

The greenhouse has started planting the seed for future generations, sprouting the interest of more young people to tend to plants and learn bigger lessons — to enjoy the fruits of hard work.

All of this, thanks to an idea, an innovation, made here in New Mexico.