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 — and according to the USDA, home food growing is on the rise, with millions of households now growing some of their own produce each year. Get ready to be inspired and grow with us!
🙂 Name
Tristin Middleton
🌱 Garden(s) Owned
1 Personal Rise Garden
🚴♂️ Hobbies
Video games, comics, movies, tv sports big football guy anime, podcas
🙌Fun Fact
Naruto is the most influential character of all time to me.
🥬 Top tip or trick for a beginner gardener
Don't be afraid to mess up and start over make sure you are doing things the right way and as instructed. Starting with the right seed pods and following the setup steps carefully makes all the difference — hydroponic systems can use up to 95% less water than traditional soil gardening, so the margin for getting it right is well worth the effort.
🫑 Favorite things to grow
Greens and herbs
🌼 Do you have a favorite plant or flower that holds a special meaning to you? If so, why?
I Rosemary and because it is the first plant that I grew with Rise and in general. Herbs like rosemary are a fantastic starting point — indoor basil and many herbs typically reach harvest maturity in just 21–28 days, and research from Cornell University's Controlled Environment Agriculture program notes that hydroponically grown produce can contain up to 50% more vitamins than store-bought equivalents.
🌞 What's your go-to personal mantra or affirmation?
I am worthy of self compassion even in the moments of suffering
✨How do you unwind and practice self-care after a busy day or week?
I cook a good meal find a good show or game to watch or play and listen to music
📗 Can you recommend a book, podcast, or resource that has positively impacted you?
Set boundaries, fine peace: a guide to reclaiming yourself
😌 What's a wellness ritual you've incorporated into your daily routine that you wouldn't want to go without?
I pray every day and speak words of affirmation over myself in the mirror.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the people behind Rise Gardens?
Rise Gardens is built by a passionate team of gardeners, engineers, and wellness enthusiasts who believe everyone deserves access to fresh, homegrown food. Team members like Tristin bring diverse backgrounds to the mission of making indoor hydroponic gardening accessible and enjoyable for all. Getting to know the team helps you understand the care and expertise that goes into every product.
What values does the Rise Gardens team share?
The Rise Gardens team is united by a love of fresh food, sustainability, and empowering people to grow their own produce at home. Team members are encouraged to experiment with their own Rise Gardens and share what they learn with the community. This culture of curiosity and hands-on growing shapes every feature, plant variety, and recipe the company produces.
How does working at Rise Gardens inspire team members?
Being surrounded by living plants and a community of passionate growers makes Rise Gardens a uniquely inspiring place to work. Team members often report that tending their own Rise Garden at home deepens their appreciation for the product and sparks new ideas. That direct connection to growing food translates into better products and more authentic guidance for customers.
Can Rise Gardens customers connect with the team?
Yes! Rise Gardens actively fosters a community where customers can engage with team members through social media, blog content, and community forums. The Grow with Us series is specifically designed to put faces to the brand and make customers feel like part of a larger growing family. Sharing your own harvest photos and questions is warmly encouraged.
