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 […]
LACGC – 20 years of Cultivating Community Gardens Video
LA Garden Council is excited to share our 20th-anniversary story. See how we got started and how we plan to grow. We hope you enjoy our video.
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 “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 […]
Meet Bob and Diane Ridley of Pasadena Community Garden
Bob and Diane have had a plot at Pasadena since it opened back in 2012. Bob learned how to garden with the help of his wife, Diane, whose father had a gardening business. They both enjoy the fresh air, the friendships they’ve made, eating their produce, and the community garden aspect. Bob is also proud of the composting committee he […]
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 […]
Meet Makadu LaBeet from Vermont Square Community Garden c
Makadu LaBeet has been part of the Vermont Square Community Garden since the garden opened in 1992. He met Ms. Johnson, one of the garden founders, while he was participating in a rehabilitation program nearby. Makadu is originally from the Virgin Islands and appreciates the garden because it allows him to grow the vegetables that he grew up with there. […]