My journey into gardening started with a simple interest in growing a few vegetables and fruit trees at home. What began as small experiments in containers and backyard beds slowly turned into a full-scale passion for learning how to grow food in the Texas Gulf Coast climate.

Living in Houston meant quickly understanding that gardening here is different. The heat, humidity, heavy rains, and long growing seasons create both opportunities and challenges. Instead of seeing those conditions as limitations, I leaned into them and started experimenting with fruit trees in containers, raised bed vegetable gardens, and heat-tolerant crops that could actually thrive in this environment.

Over time, that experimentation turned into a deeper focus on fruit trees, especially citrus, figs, and other varieties that can be managed in smaller spaces. Hot peppers also became a major part of the garden for me, both for their productivity and the variety they bring each season.

I also spent four years as a Master Gardener, where I developed a strong foundation in horticulture, plant science, and practical gardening education. While the program provided valuable experience, I eventually stepped away due to the ongoing time commitments required each year. Between volunteer hours and continuing education requirements, I made the decision to shift my focus back to my own garden and my growing interest in creating gardening content.

That decision led to the creation of Third Coast Gardening. Today, I share my gardening journey through YouTube, Instagram, and this blog, focusing on real-world results, hands-on learning, and practical advice for gardeners working with limited space or challenging climates.

Third Coast Gardening is not about perfection. It’s about learning what works, what fails, and how to keep improving season after season.

At the center of it all is a simple goal: help more people grow their own food, whether that’s a single pepper plant on a patio or a backyard full of fruit trees.

Read more: Your Plants Don’t Need More Fertilizer, They Need This