Soil Fertility and Fertilizers

The mantra of organic farmers and gardeners is “feed the soil”. This is because, plant stress, diseases, and pest tolerance are tied to organic management of the soil. The soil in good condition for plant growth is composed of about 43-47% mineral solids (sand, silt & clay), about 3-7% organic matter and porous space containing 25% air and 25% water. […]

Gardening Tips: Disease Management for Organic Gardening

Plant diseases occur in well-managed organic gardens just as they do in any other crop production system. Vigorous plants growing in healthy soil may be less compromised by infections in some instances than stressed or injured plants, but developing and carrying out plant disease management plans is a key step in successful organic gardening. Understanding the life cycle of plant […]

Gardening Tips: Companion Planting

Like people on relationships, certain plants like or dislike each other, but there are certain plants that are just loved by everyone and can benefit the entire plant community. All-around beneficial influence: Plants and characteristics Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) creates a beneficial atmosphere around itself and attracts bees. Marjoram (Origanum majorana) has a “beneficial effect on the surrounding plants.” Oregano […]

La Madera Community Garden Needs Your Help!

La Madera Community Garden is essential to the community of El Monte. Gardeners from different backgrounds use the land as the main source for fresh, organic produce. The water raise increases have made it nearly impossible to continue their gardening efforts. Your donation can really make a difference in the future of this garden. A successful campaign will help this […]

Meet Alvaro Santos from Mariposa-Nabi Community Garden

Mariposa-Nabi Community Garden opened its doors in 2012. It began as a “Little Green Fingers” garden, funded by First5LA, planned to educate young children in healthy eating habits and growing healthy food. It’s now run by the parents of these children. One of these amazing parents is Alvardo Santos. He first stepped into the garden on Fathers’ Day 2014 to help plant his family’s plot […]

Meet Ciro Gomez from Florence-Firestone Community Garden

Meet Ciro Gomez from Florence-Firestone Community Garden

Meet Ciro Gomez from Florence-Firestone Community Garden “Gardening with a bit of love,” Ciro Gomez of the Florence-Firestone Community Garden We had the pleasure of interviewing Ciro Gomez, a longtime member of the Florence-Firestone Community Garden who also serves as one of its Garden Masters. Initially from Mexico, Ciro finds in the garden an opportunity to relax and connect with his […]

Community Gardens and Child Safety

Community Gardens and Child Safety

Keeping The Whole Family Safe In A Community Garden Millennials are the fastest expanding group in society growing their own food in gardens and shared community gardens across the States. 13 million 18-34 year olds are known to be keen vegetable gardeners, a number that is believed to keep growing. This is great news for people’s health, bank balances and for gardeners […]