April showers bring May flowers, right!? Well if this spring season you’re hoping to start a garden of your own we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re nestled in a cozy apartment or have a patch of soil to call your own, the vibrant city of Los Angeles offers endless possibilities for cultivating your very own garden. So, let’s dive into the dirt and unearth some tips and tricks for starting your urban garden adventure!

  1. Location, Location, Location. Living in the land of sunshine means you’ve got plenty of options for where to plant your garden. If you’re in an apartment, consider balcony gardening or setting up a sunny spot indoors near a window. Home-dwellers can get creative with backyard plots or even rooftop gardens if you’re feeling adventurous. 
  2. Containers Are Your BFFs Don’t have a yard? No problem! Embrace the container gardening life. From repurposed buckets to stylish planters, there are endless options for growing your favorite veggies, herbs, and flowers right on your balcony or windowsill. Plus, containers offer the flexibility to move your garden around to catch the best sunlight.
  3. Sunshine & Soil LA’s Mediterranean climate means you’ve got sunshine for days – literally! Most plants thrive in full sun, so be sure to pick a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day. When it comes to soil, opt for a high-quality potting mix that’s well-draining and nutrient-rich. Bonus points for adding compost to give your plants an extra boost!
  4. Water Wise With water conservation in mind, it’s essential to water your garden wisely. Invest in a watering can or a drip irrigation system to keep your plants happy and hydrated without wasting precious H2O. You can also consider installing rain barrels to harvest rainwater and reduce your dependence on potable water. Learn more about rain barrels and cisterns as well as the rebates offered at SoCal Water$mart. And, remember, it’s better to water deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root growth!
  5. Choose Native When it comes to what to plant, the sky’s the limit! But let’s remember that gardening with native plants helps support local ecosystems, attracts native wildlife, and requires less water and maintenance, making it both environmentally friendly and sustainable.  For beginners, start with easy-to-grow veggies like tomatoes, peppers, and herbs like basil and oregano. And don’t forget to add some colorful flowers to attract pollinators and add a pop of color to your space. Don’t know what plants are native to Los Angeles? You can click here to use California’s Native Plant Societies search engine to help!
  6. Join the Green Scene! LA is home to a thriving community of gardeners, so why not join in on the fun? Connect with local gardening groups or attend workshops and events to learn from fellow green thumbs and share your own tips and tricks. Here are just a few groups you may want to explore: –  TreePeople is a local organization  that hosts a variety of exciting workshops.  – LASAN hosts free home composting workshops. – LA Community Garden Council offers gardening advice and workshops. – LA County’s Smart Gardening Program offers workshops and webinars on waterwise gardening, worm composting, grasscycle, fire-wise gardening and backyard composting.

So there you have it, folks – your ticket to gardening LA this spring! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie with a green thumb, starting a garden in LA is a fun and rewarding way to connect with nature and add a little green to your urban jungle. So grab your shovel, embrace the sunshine, and let’s get growing!

Have a garden you want to showcase!? Send us a photo of your setup at lastormwater@lacity.org for a chance to be featured on our blog or social media.