Meet a G.N.O.M.E. donating homegrown produce in Philadelphia, PA
Our Giving GNOMEs may have different approaches to gardening, but they all agree that Growing Nutritious and Outrageously-fresh Meals for Everyone is a meaningful way to give back to their communities. We're highlighting a few of their stories.
"The first fresh fruit of spring is my absolute favorite and I want everyone to be able to experience that."
1. In 2-3 sentences, tell us a little about you and your garden.
This is my first time making a solid effort at vegetable gardening! I know there is a lot to learn and I'm probably making a lot of mistakes, but I'm looking forward to learning from them. I'm growing berries, peppers, tomatoes and watermelon, accompanied by lots of pollinator-friendly flowers!
2. What motivates you to grow and share your homegrown produce?
The first fresh fruit of spring is my absolute favorite and I want everyone to be able to experience that. I get so much joy from that first May strawberry, and I want others to be able to feel that joy too.
3. Tell us about your proudest gardening moment.
It's my first time growing sugar baby watermelons, and it's been such a thrill seeing that first tiny melon pop up. It was smaller than my thumbnail and now it's about the size of an acorn. Watching plants grow is enamoring to me.
4. What garden tool can you not live without?
My hands! I love getting my hands dirty and doing as much as possible without gloves or tools.
5. What piece of advice would you give a beginning gardener?
As a beginning gardener myself, I would say just push through the uncertainty and dive in! I had (and still have) analysis paralysis when it comes to garden decision making. Accept that you aren't going to do everything right the first time and the most important part is to just start!
