The Surprising Joys of Gardening: An Expert's Perspective
When Amber Kemp-Gerstel embarked on her gardening journey, she never imagined the transformation it would bring to her life. As a DIY expert and TV personality, she had always dreamed of growing her own food, but the reality of her first vegetable garden exceeded her wildest expectations. From a single pole bean to a bountiful harvest of tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and pumpkins, Amber's garden has become a source of wonder and inspiration.
The Power of Space and Soil
Amber's story begins with a move from a small Miami apartment to a Maryland home with a backyard. This newfound space ignited her passion for gardening, and she dove headfirst into the world of plants. One of her biggest surprises was the importance of soil quality. As she explains, "Soil is super important, but I was really intimidated by the process of choosing the right one. Mixing my own soil was the most economical approach, but I was nervous to do it."
In her quest for the perfect soil, Amber discovered the challenges of creating the ideal growing environment. She invested in four large Vego raised beds, but the cost of pre-bagged soil became a concern. This led her to explore the art of soil mixing, a decision that proved to be both economical and rewarding. Her research and experimentation with soil types highlight the critical role it plays in a successful garden.
Surpassing Expectations
Amber's first gardening season was a learning curve, to say the least. She recalls, "Last year, when I had my container garden, I tried to grow pole beans; I literally grew one pole bean. Needless to say, my expectations for this year's garden were low as a result of last year's failures."
However, this year's garden has been a remarkable success. Her plants have flourished, and she has been amazed by the variety of produce. From tomatoes to pumpkins, her garden has become a vibrant oasis. This success has also come with its challenges, as she has had to learn about pruning and plant care. As she notes, "This year’s garden has been really successful. This also means a LOT of pruning and cleanup that I wasn’t ready for."
The Joy of Growing Pumpkins
One of Amber's most exciting endeavors is growing pumpkins. She shares her enthusiasm for the Jarrahdale and Little Jack varieties, having roasted a delicious Jarrahdale pumpkin last year. Her decision to grow her own pumpkins is a personal and flavorful journey, as she aims to recreate the experience of visiting a pumpkin patch with her kids. "Something about growing a pumpkin feels really special!" she exclaims.
Battling Pests and Learning Patience
Pests have become an unexpected challenge for Amber. She is determined to protect her garden from potential threats, learning about common pests and their impact. As she explains, "I am so worried that I am going to miss one or underestimate the damage they can do."
Her vigilance and research have become essential tools in her gardening arsenal. She has learned to identify pests like Japanese beetles, looper worms, and hornworms, and has developed strategies to manage them. This process has taught her patience and the importance of staying informed. "Squash vine borers will take out a squash plant—I don’t even like to speak their name out loud!" she admits, showcasing the emotional connection she has formed with her plants.
A New Perspective on Food
Gardening has profoundly changed Amber's perspective on food. She marvels at the grocery store, wondering how she can struggle to grow a single green bean while there are tons of them available. "Gardening has made me appreciate the effort and time that goes into growing food. It also makes me question how food is grown and if pesticides and other chemicals are being used to increase plant productivity."
This newfound appreciation has extended to her family, as she educates her kids about the process of growing food. "Gardening has taught me—and my kids—how food is grown, the process of growing food," she reflects.
Expanding Horizons and Preserving Harvests
Amber's gardening journey is far from over. She has already set her sights on expanding her garden, dreaming of growing kale, collard greens, okra, and more squash varieties. Her next goal is to learn the art of canning and preserving her harvests, ensuring that the flavors of summer can be enjoyed year-round. "I already own a dehydrator. I need to do some research on the supplies and process for canning so that we can enjoy the harvest even after the summer season ends."
As Amber continues to explore the world of gardening, her passion and curiosity drive her to discover new techniques and expand her knowledge. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of gardening, where every seed planted is a step towards a deeper connection with nature and a more sustainable lifestyle.
