About Sandy Spring Gardens
May 1, 2023 at Sandy Spring Gardens: Lettuce, Kohlrabi, Onions, Spinach, Radishes, Broccoli
We work with the owners of land in eastern Montgomery County, Maryland
to convert lawns and commodity-crop fields into productive vegetable gardens
to provide for people living nearby a reliable source of hyper-fresh vegetables
to promote sustainable growing practices that restore the health of soil, water, and air
to free the local environment of toxic pesticides and synthetic chemical fertilizers
to reduce long-distance transportation of food in favor of a hyper-local food system
to employ workers who share the aim of food-system reform
and to talk about the importance of locally-grown vegetables for the health of the body, the community, the the climate, and the earth.
We grow 50 types of vegetables in Ashton, Maryland, on five plots ranging in size from 2000 square feet to 2 acres. Our harvest is available at three weekly markets (see “CONTACT”) and also through our online store (see “SHOP”).
Meet the Farmers
Tom
Tom grew up in Brookeville in an old farmhouse with chickens, pigs, and a big vegetable garden. As a member of the 4-H Sheep and Swine Club, he viewed the Montgomery County Fair as the highlight of summer. Working at Tusculum Farm during his high school and college years, he gained a deeper appreciation for farmers and farm life. After a 40-year career in education, he returned to Montgomery County to establish Sandy Spring Gardens in 2017.
Emily
Emily moved to Takoma Park from her home in Indiana after completing her college studies in Environmental Science. She has performed environmental research in New Zealand and agricultural research on Indiana farms. At Sandy Spring Gardens she manages the Crop Plan and the planting schedule, and looks for ways to make farming practices more efficient.
Alex
Alex is trained in ethnobotany with a minor in forestry, and he brings 3 years of vegetable farming experience to Sandy Spring Gardens. Originally from Silver Spring, he has worked on farms in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Montgomery County Maryland. Weed management and soil health are areas of particular interest and expertise.