RJ Langley spent this winter in his greenhouse, enjoying the warmth and his fingers in the dirt.

He’s hoping his hard work will pay off to help his favorite 4H club.

For the past three years, the Northridge High School grad has been trying different ways to grow vegetables and flowers. 

Two years ago, his family purchased an Amish made greenhouse, which is now set up in the backyard of their Croton home. That took his garden to the next level.

RJ was inspired to start gardening when he and his family visited Lettuce Work Nursery, a greenhouse and garden center that helps young adults on the autism spectrum gain work experience.

RJ is interested in ultimately getting involved in the program. So his family decided to start gardening at home to give him the opportunity to practice. 

He and his mother Tracey  and father Rick decide what they are going to grow each year, purchase the seeds and set up their potted seedlings and garden beds. Last year, friends and family stopped by to purchase some of his plants.

This year, they decided to hold a plant sale and donate a portion of the proceeds to the Dusty Riders’ 4H club.

RJ was active in 4H and often showed pigs, horses and rabbits at the Hartford Independent Fair. He is a lifelong member of 4H and wanted to help make sure that younger participants have the ability to purchase books and supplies, attend the end of the year banquet and receive end of the year awards.

His plant sale is planned for early May and he said he’s looking forward to helping the club.