Growing Something Special
At just 15 years old, this Sugar Mill Pond neighbor is cultivating everything from cucumbers to watermelons, proving that hard work, curiosity, and a little patience can produce something special.
Not many 15-year-olds spend their free time researching fertilizer, checking for pests, or getting excited about cucumber varieties. But for Sugar Mill Pond neighbor David Derise, gardening has quickly become much more than a hobby. Inspired by his great-grandmother and supported by his family, David planted his very first garden this spring. What started with two tomato plants has grown into a thriving backyard filled with fresh vegetables, fruit, and big plans for future harvests.
Tell us a little about yourself. How old are you, what school do you attend, and what grade are you in?
I'm 15 years old, turning 16 in September. I'll be a sophomore at STM this fall.
How long have you lived in Sugar Mill Pond?
My family moved to Sugar Mill Pond in May 2024.
What are some of your favorite hobbies and activities outside of gardening?
Outside of gardening, I enjoy playing football, golfing, and hanging out with my friends.
What inspired you to start a backyard garden?
My great-grandmother inspired me. She always had a huge garden while I was growing up. This spring, I went to help her plant her tomatoes, and she sent me home with two tomato plants. That's how it all started.
How old were you when you planted your first garden?
This is my first real garden. My dad and I built the raised garden box, while my mom and our friend Sarah helped guide me through planting, potting, and fertilizing. I do all of the research myself.
What vegetables, fruits, or herbs are you currently growing?
Right now, I'm growing 12 cucumber plants across two varieties, six California Wonder bell peppers, nine tomato plants with three different varieties, six Sugar Baby watermelon plants, six jalapeño plants, three cantaloupes, one cayenne pepper, one serrano pepper, and one Tabasco pepper plant.
What has been the most rewarding part of maintaining your garden?
The most rewarding part has been gaining knowledge and being able to show other people what I've grown.
What has been the biggest challenge you've faced as a gardener?
The biggest challenges have been pruning and dealing with pests.
Is there a crop you're especially proud of growing successfully?
I'm probably most proud of my cucumbers. The Burpless F1 Hybrid is my favorite because of its taste and size.
What have you learned from gardening that you didn't expect?
I didn't realize how important bees are in helping fruits grow. At the beginning, I had to hand-pollinate the plants until the bees finally showed up. I was pretty close to convincing my mom that we needed bee boxes in the backyard!
What advice would you give another young person who wants to start gardening?
Do your research first. A lot goes into proper plant spacing, fertilizing, and taking care of everything.
What are your future plans for your garden?
I'm excited for the fall because I want to grow potatoes, carrots, greens, and onions.
Are there any new plants or projects you'd like to try next?
I'd like to give my cucumbers their own section because they like to battle everything else for space. Eventually, I'd love to expand my garden into a walk-through pathway if I can convince my dad to give up a little more lawn space.
Do you think gardening is something you'll continue doing as an adult?
Yes, for sure.