The Gypsy Gardener

I'm a Pueblo native and 25-year, retired, U.S. Army veteran. I discovered my passion for hydroponic growing during my time stationed in Hawai’i. After retiring, I continued that journey through the Veterans to Farmers program, where I studied both hydroponic and aquaponic Controlled-Environment Agriculture. I built my greenhouse and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) system at my home in Pueblo West. I currently grow four varieties of hydroponic lettuce: Butterhead, Bibb, Romaine and Breen, harvested and brought to market as live plants with the roots still attached to help preserve freshness and quality. I'll also sell Bee Shepherd Mushroom and Botanical Honey: Raw Rocky Mountain Honey, with USDA organic adaptogenic and herbal extracts of Lion's Mane Mushroom, Reishi Mushroom, Black Elderberry and Golden Turmeric, from Frangiosa Farms in Parker, CO. On occasion I will also bring cottage food products to add some variety to the mix. My passion for plants goes well beyond my own greenhouse. I was a volunteer with CSU Extension as a Colorado Master Gardener for nine years and love learning about and teaching others about plants and hydroponic growing. And there's already some pretty impressive evidence that my lettuce is something special. At this year's Pueblo Food Project Gala (2026), I took home the Judges Choice Best Recipe award for a salad made with my own hydroponically grown lettuce!