Nestled in Cresaptown, Maryland, Stacey Householder, a devoted mom, homeschooling parent, and the heartbeat of a family farm, shares her story of growth and connection with Rise Gardens. Beyond the foliage and flourishing crops, Stacey's journey is woven with threads of family, resilience, and the joy found in gardening.
Stacey's Gardening Heritage
Stacey's roots in gardening trace back to the mountainside town of Frostburg, where her grandpa tended to a garden that left an indelible mark on her childhood. "Gardening runs in my blood," she reminisces, recalling the bounty of fruits and vegetables gracing her grandpa's yard. While she wishes she had learned more from him as an adult, those memories form the soil of her own gardening journey.
A Year of Transformation
The turning point came in 2020, a year of challenges for the world. Stacey and her husband, eager to take control of their food sources, decided to embark on a journey of self-sufficiency. "We wanted to start growing our own food," Stacey explains. A Facebook post introduced her to Rise Gardens, and after researching, they eagerly ordered the Rise Garden 2-level family system — a hydroponic garden (a method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions) — marking the beginning of a transformative chapter. Hydroponically grown produce can contain up to 50% more vitamins than store-bought equivalents, making the decision an easy one for a family focused on their health.
How Does Rise Gardens Fit Into Life on a Family Farm?
What Impact Has Rise Gardens Made on Stacey's Family?
In the spirit of the 'Why I Rise' campaign, Stacey leaves us with a personal mantra that echoes through the rows of their family farm: "Give it to God, and the rest will fall into place." Her Rise Gardens journey is not just about cultivating plants; it's about nurturing a family farm and finding joy in the everyday magic of gardening.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does indoor gardening improve daily life according to Rise Gardens community members?
Rise Gardens community members frequently describe their indoor garden as a source of calm, routine, and daily joy — a living corner of their home that gives back fresh food and a sense of purpose. Members like Stacey Householder share how growing food has transformed their relationship with eating and wellness. The garden becomes more than a product; it becomes a lifestyle practice.
What motivates people to start growing food at home?
The most common motivations include wanting fresher, more nutritious food, reducing grocery bills, and creating a more sustainable household. Many Rise Gardens members are also motivated by a desire to reconnect with where food comes from after years of relying solely on grocery stores. The ease of the Rise system lowers the barrier to entry for people who have never grown anything before.
Is indoor gardening a good activity for families?
Indoor gardening is an excellent family activity that teaches children about biology, patience, nutrition, and sustainability in a hands-on way. Watching seeds sprout and grow into food that appears on the dinner table creates a powerful connection between effort and nourishment for kids of all ages. Rise Gardens' family-sized units are specifically designed with households in mind.
How long does it take to see results with a Rise Gardens system?
Most Rise Gardens users harvest their first fresh herbs within 3–4 weeks of planting, with leafy greens following shortly after at 4–6 weeks. Seeing rapid, tangible results — fresh food ready to eat — is one of the most motivating aspects of the experience for new growers. This quick feedback loop keeps people engaged and excited about their garden.
