My love of gardening started when I planted a lemon seed as a curious 5-year old and saw it sprout and grow. Over the years, I’ve experimented with many indoor and outdoor projects (some of which are highlighted below) and have grown a variety of plants - from luffas which had their vines crisscrossed around our entire living room, to peppers, various herbs, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, pumpkins, corn, and a host of different succulents. I find it incredibly rewarding to see something grow from a seed thanks to my effort and care. I’ve learned how to make my own soil through composting and how to tend to different plants through their life cycle. It’s a constant learning process (and yes, the squirrels and the chipmunks can be the most formidable adversaries).

Gardening has taught me perseverance, patience, and attention to detail. It also has given me a deep appreciation for biology and environmental sustainability. Growing vegetables is important to me because I know how important they are for our health. I also know that not all people have access to fresh, healthy foods and that food scarcity occurs around the world. Because of this, I cherish my garden even though maintaining it can be challenging at times.