A Green-Thumbed Journey: Amber Kemp-Gerstel's Surprising Vegetable Garden Adventure
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 was eager to explore the world of growing her own food, but little did she know that her first season would be a whirlwind of surprises and discoveries. From the initial excitement of starting seeds indoors to the eventual bountiful harvest, Amber's garden has become a source of inspiration and a deeper connection with nature.
From Balcony to Backyard: A Dream Realized
Amber's gardening journey began with a simple move from a Miami apartment to a Maryland home. The transition from a small balcony to a spacious backyard presented an opportunity she couldn't resist. Her lifelong dream of having a garden finally came to fruition, and she was determined to make the most of it.
"I knew I could use some of the space for a garden. It’s always been a dream of mine to have a garden. Once we had the space to do it, I was full speed ahead on making it a reality." - Amber Kemp-Gerstel
Last year, she started small with container gardening, learning the ropes and gaining valuable insights into the behavior of different plants. This year, with a larger garden, she applied her newfound knowledge, planting a wide variety of vegetables and herbs from seeds she started indoors in February. However, she soon realized that starting seeds too early was a mistake, as the plants were not yet ready for the outdoor conditions.
Surprising Success and Unexpected Challenges
The biggest surprise for Amber was the rapid growth and flourishing of her garden. She expected a lot of trial and error, but the success was overwhelming. Her garden yielded tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and even pumpkins, exceeding her expectations. However, this success came with its own set of challenges. Amber had to spend hours pruning and cleaning, learning the art of proper plant care.
"I am shocked at how much the garden has flourished in such a short amount of time. 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. So, I’ve been beyond surprised to see lots of plants thriving and fruiting." - Amber Kemp-Gerstel
One of the most exciting discoveries was the Jarrahdale and Little Jack pumpkins. Growing her own pumpkins felt special, and the delicious roasted Jarrahdale pumpkin from last year's visit to a pumpkin patch inspired her to cultivate her own. She is eagerly awaiting the harvest, and the prospect of sharing it with the neighborhood kids is a delightful idea.
Learning from Mistakes: Pests and Soil Preparation
Amber's gardening journey has not been without its challenges. She is particularly worried about pests and is determined to avoid the mistakes of the past. She has learned the hard way about the damage pests can cause and is now vigilant in her daily garden checks. From Japanese beetles to looper worms and hornworms, she is well-prepared to tackle any potential issues.
"Squash vine borers will take out a squash plant—I don’t even like to speak their name out loud!" - Amber Kemp-Gerstel
Soil preparation was another area where Amber had to learn and adapt. She initially felt intimidated by the process, but mixing her own soil proved to be a cost-effective and rewarding approach. With four large Vego raised beds, she has created a thriving garden, all while learning the importance of good soil.
A New Perspective on Food and Nature
Gardening has profoundly changed Amber's perspective on food and nature. She is amazed by the effort and time required to grow food, which makes her appreciate the grocery store produce even more. It has also raised questions about the methods used to increase plant productivity and the potential use of pesticides and chemicals.
"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." - Amber Kemp-Gerstel
Her children have also gained a deeper understanding of the food they eat, and she is eager to continue exploring new gardening goals. From growing kale and collard greens in the fall to learning canning and preserving techniques, Amber's gardening journey is far from over.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Horizons
As Amber reflects on her successful first season, she is already dreaming up her next gardening goals. She is excited to explore new varieties of squash and okra, and the prospect of canning and preserving her harvest is a thrilling idea. With each passing season, her garden continues to surprise and inspire, offering a deeper connection to nature and a renewed appreciation for the food on her family's table.
