From growing exotic fruits to other unique plants, one local teenager is using his passions, and his green thumb, to bless those in his community.
TAMPA — While most teenagers are glued to their screens, one teenager is getting his hands dirty. Growing a variety of exotic fruits and vegetables not only for his enjoyment but for others in his community.
Raleigh Grimes, 14, took an interest in growing exotic fruits and other plants at a young age. Fruits many of us probably have never heard of, but that is exactly what he looks for when trying to decide what to grow next.
“If it interests me, I’ll try to grow it,” Grimes said. “Usually the weirder the better.”
His family also found an interest in horticulture, so they started volunteering at the Seeds of Faith Community Garden located right behind Bay Life Church in Brandon, FL. For almost four years, the Grimes family grew fresh fruits and vegetables to provide organizations such as ECHO of Brandon and Hope for Her Florida. These organizations would then distribute food to local families in need.
Volunteering for his community gave Grimes the chance to explore his passions further. He used this garden space to practice, learn more, and support others. This opportunity helped Grimes choose a future career path.
“It inspired me to when I’m older, to start a business that gives back to the community and helps other people and not just money for myself,” Grimes said.
Gardening takes more than just sunlight and water. It takes patience, care, and discipline. Pamela Grimes, Raleigh’s mother, emotionally explained that she is very proud of her son and the man he is growing up to be.
“Every day he learns something new. He’s passionate and he wants to tell everybody about it,” Grimes said. “It’s crazy to see at his age, to have something that he enjoys so much that brings life you know and provides for others.”
Horticulture may be a hobby for some, but for those with an extremely green thumb, it is a way of life. It is a passion that can be used to bless others.
