Los Angeles Guerrilla Gardening

Trying to start your own guerrilla garden? Here are some tips on getting started.
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GARDENING CLASSES FOR FREE

Learn about Composting, Transitional Landscapes, or Native Plants for FREE!

Native Nights Class
Backyard Composting Class
Transitional Landscape Class

Full Descriptions & Class Schedule (PDF)

Sept 10 - Nov 5, 2008
Burbank Recycle Center
Call 818-238-3900 for more info
www.burbankrecycling.org
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HOMEMADE SEED BOMBS

There is a great recipe and article on how to make seed bombs at heavypetal.ca

Here's what you'll need to get started, but take a look at the article for more instructions.

5 parts dry red clay*
3 parts dry organic compost
1 part seed**
1 - 2 parts water

Here is a great local resource for clay:
http://www.echoceramics.com/

For large orders of clay:
http://www.lagunaclay.com/clays/

And don't forget you can get free compost from the City:
Department of Sanitation

We will also have Seed Bombs for sale soon, with all proceeds benefiting LAGG -- check back for updates.

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FREE MULCH

You can get FREE mulch from the City of LA! There are 8 locations all over the city and most of them are open 7 days a week.

Click here for more info. (PDF)

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HOW TO PICK PLANTS

The follwoing plants have proved well for some of our Los Angeles Gardens. However, we are consistently researching California Natives and drought resistant plants and encourage you to do the same. A great resource for plant suggestions and learning to avoid invasive plants are:

PlantRight.org
California Invasive Plant Council
MyNativePlants.com

Past troop members have explained GG to local nurseries and have had some luck getting nurseries to donate plants.

Plant/Flower

Details

Agent Name:
PLUMBAGO

Orginally from South Africa, this agent is known for it's tenacity and ability to recover from warfare.

Agent Name:
LANTANTA

Known in South Asia for being able to ambush any terrain, this agent is sure to be a real fighter.

Agent Name:
AGAVE

Known for producing tequila, this agent has some true cajones.

Agent Name: KALANCHOE

Part of the cactus family, this agent can tough it out . Also referred to as
Kalan-"Che".

Agent Name: NASTURTIUM

This agent can take whatever "nasty" you give it. It's resistance to the MAN is impeccable.

Agent Name:
FLAX

Very important for the survival of the troops. Produces seeds for nourishment.

Here are some things we've learned along the way...but this is YOUR mission, proceed in whatever fashion necessary.

FIND ORPHANED LAND
Start small. For your first mission, smaller is better. It will give you an opportunity to figure everything out and not overwhelm yourself with a huge location.

Find a spot close to home, perhaps something you walk by everyday. This way you can water it, weed it and watch it grow. So far in LA, we haven't had much opposition to our gardening. However, it's wise to garden at night to avoid any confrontation with authorities.

PICK THE RIGHT PLANTS
Especially in Southern California, it's important to pick hardy, drought-resistant plants. If you're new to the gardening world, your best bet is chatting with a local nursery owner about what plants might work. Also see below for a list of plants LAGG has used on past missions.

GRAB A FRIEND
We've found in Hollywood, that it's better to garden in twos or a group. You can help each other keep the garden watered and maintained. Plus, everything is more fun with a friend.

BRING TRASH BAGS
You'd be amazed how much trash you'll find around your orphaned space. You also end up with piles of weeds and cuttings, so be sure to come prepared.

HOW TO WATER
In Hollywood, we've been using 5 gallon jugs (thanks for the idea Richard @ GG.org!) to water the garden. Mr. Stamen lives close, so he can fill up, load a shopping cart and then head to the garden to water. We've also been OVERWHELMED with how much the community wants to help and have regular water-ers who visit the garden weekly with their own watering cans.

BUY RICHARD'S BOOK
We learned a lot here and recommend the book to anyone who wants to get their hands dirty on city property. Buy it here

If you're interested in starting your own garden and would like an LAGG Troop Member to walk through the process of getting started, we'd love to do so.

Please contact Mr. Stamen for more info.