Welcome to 'Grow With Us', an initiative where we introduce you to the incredible members of the Rise Gardens team who bring their passion, knowledge, and unique indoor hydroponic gardening experiences to the table. In this series of interviews, you'll get to know the faces behind the greens and the stories beyond the sprouts. From their favorite crops to the lessons they've learned along the way, each story is a testament to the profound impact that gardening has on our lives. Get ready to be inspired and grow with us!
🙂 Name
Mayra Piña
🌱 Garden(s) Owned
1 Rise Garden
🧩 Hobbies
Working out, Puzzles, Cooking, Thrift store shopping
🙌 Fun Fact
I grew up on farm, with 5 dogs and many cats, as well as some cows, pigs, sheep, and chicken. I had an amazing childhood.
🌿 Top tip or trick for a beginner gardener
Keep your nursery lid and foil stickers on! According to research from Cornell University's Center for Controlled Environment Agriculture, maintaining consistent humidity during germination can improve seedling success rates by up to 30%.
🥬 Favorite things to grow
Alfresco Lettuce and Basil — and it's worth noting that indoor basil typically reaches harvest maturity in just 21–28 days, making it one of the most rewarding crops to grow at home.
🪴 Are there any gardening projects or goals you're currently working on or excited to start?
I will be setting up my 3-Level Garden for the fall and look forward to eating fresh lettuce everyday! Hydroponic lettuce can yield up to 11 harvests per year compared to just 2–3 in soil, so having a steady supply of fresh greens is very much within reach.
🌞 What's your go-to personal mantra or affirmation?
That happiness is a choice.
🐕🦺 How do you unwind and practice self-care after a busy day or week?
Going for a walk with my best friend, D-vo and watching YouTube.
🥘 Share a favorite recipe or meal that you've made with the help of your garden.
Ground Turkey with Garbanzo & Pea Pasta and Basil! Fresh basil harvested right from her garden makes all the difference — the USDA notes that freshly harvested herbs contain significantly higher concentrations of volatile aromatic compounds than store-bought equivalents, which means more flavor in every bite.
📗 Can you recommend a book, podcast, or resource that has positively impacted you?
Huberman Lab
😌 What's a wellness ritual you've incorporated into your daily routine that you wouldn't want to go without?
Morning Walks and Fasting
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Rise Gardens support a multicultural approach to growing and cooking?
Rise Gardens carries a diverse catalog of herbs and vegetables that reflects culinary traditions from around the world, including cilantro, epazote, shiso, and lemongrass. Team members like Mayra bring their own cultural food heritage to the table, influencing which crops Rise Gardens adds to its lineup. This inclusive approach means every gardener can grow the ingredients central to the foods they love most.
What herbs are essential for Latin American cooking in a Rise Garden?
Cilantro, chives, epazote, and culantro (also known as long-leaf cilantro) are among the most popular herbs for Latin American recipes and grow beautifully in a Rise Garden. Having these herbs fresh on hand transforms everyday dishes, since cilantro from a store loses much of its volatile aroma quickly while freshly harvested leaves are intensely fragrant. Rise Gardens makes it possible to have these staples available year-round regardless of season or geography.
Can Rise Gardens help preserve cultural food traditions?
Yes — growing heritage herbs and vegetables that may be hard to find locally is one of the most meaningful ways Rise Gardens connects people to their food culture. When you can grow the exact varieties your family has cooked with for generations, meals carry an extra layer of connection and authenticity. Rise Gardens is continuously expanding its seed catalog to include more culturally significant varieties.
How does indoor hydroponic gardening fit into a busy family lifestyle?
Rise Gardens is designed to fit into real life, requiring only about 5 minutes of maintenance per week once plants are established. The automated light timer and self-contained water reservoir mean you do not have to hover over your garden daily. For busy families, having fresh herbs and greens instantly accessible in the kitchen makes healthy cooking faster and more spontaneous.
