💧 Every Drop Connects Us 💧 Cada Gota Nos Conecta

In a community garden, water is more than a utility bill.
It connects us — to the soil, to our neighbors, and to future generations.

In Los Angeles County, water is precious. When we use it wisely, we show respect for the land and for each other. Small habits practiced by every gardener add up to real impact.

Every drop connects us.

🌱 Start with the Soil: The 3-Inch Finger Test

Before you water, pause.

Press your finger 3 inches into the soil:

• If it feels moist, don’t water yet.

• If it feels dry at that depth, it’s time.

This simple practice prevents overwatering and protects plant roots. It also protects our shared water supply.

When one gardener checks the soil, it helps the whole garden.

⏱️ A Little Water Goes a Long Way

A typical 4’ x 8’ plot usually needs:

• 3–4 minutes twice a week in warmer months

• Once a week or less in cooler months

More water does not mean more vegetables. In fact, overwatering can:

• Compact soil

• Increase disease

• Raise water bills for everyone

When we water wisely, we grow food — not waste.

🌅 Water at the Right Time

Water early in the morning or later in the afternoon/evening to reduce evaporation.

Avoid watering in the heat of the day. Timing matters — and it’s one of the easiest ways to conserve water.

Every drop saved is a drop that stays in our watershed.

🌿 Water the Roots, Not the Leaves

Aim water at the base of the plant.

Leaves don’t drink water — roots do.
Watering the soil directly keeps plants healthy and reduces fungal disease.

The only time to spray leaves is to wash off pests like aphids.

🪴 Healthy Soil Holds Water

Soil is alive. When we care for it, it holds moisture like a sponge.

To improve soil health:

• Add 1 inch of compost each season

• Cover soil with 3 inches of mulch

Mulch reduces evaporation and can dramatically lower water use across the garden.

Healthy soil means fewer waterings — and stronger plants.

🔧 Fix the Drips

A slow drip can waste gallons every day.

Garden Leaders should:

• Turn off all water once a year

• Check the main meter

• Inspect drip lines and hose connections

Water stewardship is shared responsibility.

If you notice a leak, let garden leadership know. If it affects safety or infrastructure, pause and contact garden leadership or LACGC.

🌳 Right Plant, Right Place

Not all plants need the same amount of water.

• Fruit trees should be watered separately.

• Native plants need little water once established.

• Thirsty vegetables like cucumbers and lettuce can share a bed.

Grouping plants by water needs helps every drop do its job.

💚 Water Connects Us

Water connects:

• Upstream and downstream

• Gardeners and neighbors

• Present and future generations

When we check the soil before watering…
When we add compost and mulch…
When we fix leaks…

We are practicing connection.

Every drop connects us.
Cada gota nos conecta.

These water stewardship practices come from the new LACGC Community Gardener Certificate program, where we turn shared values into everyday garden habits. Want to learn more? Join the waitlist. 

To build more awareness around water, we’re excited to announce our inaugural Garden Council Poster Competition. Water matters deeply in our gardens — and especially here in Los Angeles. Our region receives only about 15 inches of rain per year on average, and roughly 80–85% of our water is imported from hundreds of miles away. At the same time, water is the single largest operating expense for most community gardens. Every drop truly does connect us — to one another, to distant watersheds, and to the responsibility we share.

This year’s theme is:

Every Drop Connects Us / Cada Gota Nos Conecta

🌊 2026 Garden Council Poster Design Contest

Theme:
Every Drop Connects Us
Cada Gota Nos Conecta

🏆 Prize

One winning artist will receive a $500 honorarium.
The selected design may be featured as a poster, on Garden Council t-shirts, and on our website and digital communications. The artist retains ownership of their work and will be credited wherever the design appears.

📅 Deadline

Tuesday, March 10 at 5:00 PM

Submit to:

[email protected]

🎨 Guidelines

• Artwork must relate to the theme:
  Every Drop Connects Us / Cada Gota Nos Conecta

• The theme text in English and Spanish must be included in the design.

• Artwork must be original and created by the applicant.
  No clip art or Artificial Intelligence allowed.

• Designs may be black & white or limited color (final production may adapt for print).  

• Open to artists of all ages and backgrounds. Preference is given to community gardeners and garden-affiliated participants.

• Youth submissions are highly encouraged. If under 18, please include age.

• Entries must include: name, email or phone number, and garden affiliation (if applicable).

• Applicants may submit up to three entries.