By Mary Weitzman, Director of Membership and Development
I just wanted to grow tomatoes. As a kid growing up in New Jersey, I couldn’t get enough of them. Eating tomato sandwiches on our back porch was a cherished memory of summer. Each September, my mother would include a tomato from our local farm in my lunch, much like other parents would add an apple. Gardening wasn’t her strong suit, but we were blessed with incredible local farm stands, and we received surplus produce from generous neighbors. The New Jersey I knew truly lived up to its name as the Garden State.
Decades later, after many years of city living, I was finally ready to learn how to garden. My husband and I moved to Piermont, New York, a quaint hamlet on the Hudson River with a population of only 1,800. The village is nestled alongside the river, squeezed between its banks and the steep cliffs of the Palisades. It is a small, picturesque town filled with historic homes and a close-knit community.
I heard that Piermont Community Garden was a vibrant group that welcomed novice gardeners. With only a $15 membership fee, I decided that by joining I could learn how to grow some tomatoes while meeting my neighbors. Little did I know that the lovely lady who lived in the pink house across the street from me was one of the garden’s founders and trustees. Little did I know that I would be learning from a legendary gardener and teacher — an environmentalist and an inspiration to many future generations of food thinkers and activists — who would open my eyes to the dangerous realities of our commercial food systems and the planet’s need for sustainable agriculture.
Born in 1933, Joan Gussow was a significant figure in the fields of sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and food policy. She served as a professor emerita of nutrition at Columbia University and was an early advocate for organic gardening. Her work emphasized the connection between how we grow our food, the choices we make, and their impact on both our health and the environment.
As a pioneer of the sustainable agriculture movement and local food systems, Joan was among the first to promote the “eat locally” philosophy. She emphasized the importance of understanding the origins of our food and the impact of our food choices on both personal health and the planet. Her influential book, “This Organic Life: Confessions of a Suburban Homesteader,” chronicles her journey of growing her own food and reflects her strong commitment to organic farming and environmental sustainability. In addition to “This Organic Life,” she has authored several other books that beautifully narrate her experiences as a gardener while emphasizing the vital relationships between people and their food.
When I first joined the community garden, I was a complete novice. I felt both excited and intimidated as I looked at my little plot of land — which I saw as a mere patch of dirt. My first day was a whirlwind. I met several seasoned gardeners who welcomed me warmly and offered advice with genuine enthusiasm. They shared stories of their own gardening journeys, filled with both triumphs and mistakes. It was comforting to learn that everyone had started somewhere, and that gardening was as much about trial and error as it was about knowledge and expertise.
My orientation of the garden included a tour of the community herb garden, which featured one side for cooking and the other for medicinal purposes, as well as a shared tool shed that housed an awesome hoe perfect for weeding. I received training on composting, including what to place in each bin and what was ready for the garden at that time. We also shared a shed with salt hay, which became everyone’s favorite mulch.
I met fellow gardeners of all ages, each eager to share their knowledge and experience. With their encouragement, I began to learn the basics: how to prepare soil, the importance of crop rotation, and various organic methods for pest control. But what struck me most was the emphasis on sustainable practices. It wasn’t merely about growing vegetables; it was about fostering a healthy ecosystem. Under the guidance of seasoned gardeners and inspired by Joan’s teachings, I found joy in nurturing seeds as they sprouted and flourished into plants. I began to understand the profound relationship between the soil, the plants, and the environment. Each weekend spent in the garden became a lesson in patience and perseverance as I learned to embrace the natural rhythms of growth.
But it wasn’t just about the food; it was the community and friendships I built in this shared space that truly enriched my experience. We would gather for potluck events, exchanging recipes and gardening tips, and it wasn’t uncommon to spend evenings chatting among the rows, a glass of wine in hand, discussing our triumphs and challenges. Each conversation deepened my passion for organic gardening and my understanding of the principles Joan advocated. Her passion and dedication guided me down a path I never anticipated.
Reflecting on my journey, I realized just how intertwined my path to organic gardening had become with the legacy of Joan Gussow, who passed earlier this year. From her teachings, I learned that gardening is not only about growing food; it’s about promoting a deeper understanding of food’s role in health, community, and the environment, inspiring many to advocate for changes in how we grow, distribute, and consume food.
I’ve been similarly inspired by MOFGA and its work to provide educational programs that focus on sustainable farming and gardening practices, nutrition, and local food systems. Since moving to Maine and joining MOFGA’s network, I’ve met many dedicated community members who approach life in ways that remind me of Joan. And MOFGA has grown into what it is today thanks to the contributions of such individuals who share their knowledge, time, enthusiasm — and perhaps even garden-fresh tomatoes — with the greater community.
By organizing workshops and community events, MOFGA pays it forward, encouraging everyone, not just food producers, to explore the importance of organic practices and the health implications tied to their food choices. Our initiatives connect eaters directly with local producers, fostering a deeper appreciation for locally grown, organic foods. Additionally, MOFGA advocates for environmentally responsible agricultural methods. By promoting practices like crop rotation and soil health, MOFGA reflects a deep commitment to ecological responsibility. Our outreach efforts raise awareness about the benefits of gardening and healthy eating, making a shared vision of connecting food, health, and sustainability accessible to a broader audience in Maine. In this way, MOFGA not only honors the legacies of the dedicated farmers and gardeners that came before us but also cultivates a vibrant community rooted in health, sustainability, and a deeper connection to the food we eat.
This article was originally published in the summer 2025 issue of The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener.
