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UC Master Gardeners of Orange County

Community Gardens

Orange County has more than 20 community gardens. Some cities have more than one community garden and about half the cities in Orange County have no community garden.  

City Parks and Recreation Departments administer some, while others are the grassroots effort of individuals, and still others are contained in gated communities or apartment complexes.  Most have waiting lists. They are public, private, open, closed, and very diverse.  What they do have in common are individuals who want a place to grow their own food.  

Community Gardens in Orange County  

To add a new garden to our list or to update existing information on your garden please send the information to us via the Hotline.  Include the garden name, sponsoring organization, full address/location, contact information and website. 

UC Master Gardener Support
Basic Gardening Information for Community Gardens 
Soil and Raised Beds  

The most important part of a garden – its very foundation – is the soil.  It is important to begin with good soil to grow healthy plants.  One of the initial decisions to be made when starting a garden plot is whether to use raised beds or to plant directly into the soil.  There may be rules and regulations in your garden that promote or prevent one or the other.  These links address raised beds and raised bed garden soil. 

If you are planting directly into the ground, it is good idea to get a soil test.  Once you get the results and recommendations back, use these links to learn how to improve and manage the soil and about fertilizers, mulch and compost.  

Planting and Crop Rotation 

Crop rotation is another important factor in having a successful vegetable garden.  In addition to information, there is a link to an example of crop rotation.  

Information about planting vegetables is also located in the Edible Plants section of this website.  

Troubleshooting:  Pests And Diseases In The Garden   

If you have problems with pests in your garden, go to the UC IPM page to find out how to identify and remedy the situation.       

If you are dealing with some sort of plant disease, look for the cause in the The California Garden Web section under the plant that has the disease.   

If you are unsure and would like some help, email or call our Hotline.   

Community Garden Series from the Speakers Bureau

The Speakers Bureau offers community gardens a series of four presentations per year.  Recommended presentations are Busy Gardener Month-by-Month Vegetables, Grow it Now Spring, IPM Using Least Toxic Methods, Grow it Now Fall, and for new gardens, Soil. 
The purpose of these presentations is to provide not only gardening basics, but also to ensure that scientifically researched information is available to community gardeners. Please review the criteria at the Speakers Bureau page and complete the request form on that page.  

Resources For Community Gardens
Community Gardens

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