Why I Rise: Stacey Householder's Rise Gardens Journey

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 2-level family garden, marking the beginning of a transformative chapter.

Gardening on the Family Farm

As Stacey guides us through her family farm, populated by three wonderful autistic children, a flock of six chickens, four cats, and an abundance of plants, it becomes evident that Rise Gardens isn't just a system; it's a companion in their daily lives. "We’re able to grow indoors year-round, and during the summer, we grow a variety of plants outside. From corn to tomatoes, various hot peppers (started in the Rise system), herbs, and butterfly-friendly flowers," she shares, offering a glimpse into the bustling ecosystem they've created.

The Rise Gardens experience, according to Stacey, has been nothing short of fantastic. From the practical lessons learned about what plants thrive best to the support received from Rise's responsive team, every challenge has been an opportunity for growth. "When they system has had minor issues, the Rise support has always been fantastic and very responsive," she adds.

Rise Making an Impact

Rise Gardens has become an integral part of Stacey's family life, offering not just fresh herbs and vegetables but a canvas for creating memories. "It has taught me more about how to grow and manage my outdoor and indoor gardens," she shares, highlighting the year-round bounty that graces their table.

Stacey envisions Rise Gardens as a catalyst for change in families like hers—those with limited space but a deep desire for homegrown produce. Her advice to new gardeners is grounded in practicality and experience: "Don’t plant more than what you can handle, research any plant you plan to grow, and don’t grow what you or your family doesn’t eat."

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.