INGRAM WINS PLANT GRANTS

May 14, 2015

“Ken Ingram may well go down in university history as the man who squelched sneaker stench from dorm rooms across campus,” jokes Institute of Applied Agriculture Director Glori Hyman when praising Ingram’s plant giveaways. 

“We certainly learned one thing from the Green Dorm Project,” continues Hyman.  “Students love plants, and they love free, healthy plants even more.”

IAA Ornamental Horticulture Advisor Ken Ingram organized two plant give-away events this year for University of Maryland students, and the popularity of the events prompted Ingram to look for additional funding so he and his students can continue growing house plants for dorm rooms.

“We love doing the work and students learn about greenhouses and propagating plants, but it does get costly,” says Ingram who managed to secure two grants to continue the project: one from the Pepsi Enhancement Fund and the other from the CHS Foundation.  The Pepsi grants are a campus initiative, but CHS is a national farmer-owned cooperative working to help America’s farmers be more successful.  In 2014, CHS and the CHS Foundation invested $10.5 million to develop the next generation of agricultural leaders, improve ag safety and grow vibrant communities by awarding nearly 700 grants and scholarships.

“We’re fortunate to have access to the University’s Research Greenhouse Complex,” adds Ingram.  “The Plant Science Department and its Chair Angus Murphy have been extremely supportive of the IAA’s efforts and our students, so credit also goes to them and the greenhouse staff.”

Sometimes referred to as an “urban oasis” the Research Greenhouse Complex includes four separate greenhouses with a total area of 39,729 square feet.

While Ingram and his students grow the plants, organize the giveaways, and educate other students about caring for the plants, Ingram says he relies on the IAA faculty to spread word around campus.  IAA Oral Communication Lecturer Tony Pagnotti is glad to help. “We’re always looking for a way to tie agriculture into our classes, so when we tell our students they can stop by the  IAA for a free plant they jump on the offer,” he says.

When students return to campus in the fall, they can look forward to greening their dorm rooms and freshening the air thanks to Ingram and his plant grants.