Learning the optimum time to harvest is an important part of becoming a gardener.
Read MoreLONG BEACH ORGANIC
Planting seeds, growing community
LBO
Long Beach Organic is a nonprofit organization operating eight organic community gardens in the city limits of Long Beach, California. Founded in 1994, the organization locates urban vacant lots from public and private owners and turns them into beautiful community gardens for local and sustainable food production. Garden plots are rented on a six-month basis, March to August and September to February. Long Beach Organic donates produce to alleviate food insecurity and holds cooking and gardening workshops for LBO members and the community.
COVID-19 Announcement: Community gardens remain open with social distancing
and mask requirements for members-only garden visits and work parties.
COVID-19 Announcement: Community gardens remain open with social distancing
and mask requirements for members-only garden visits and work parties.
Long Beach Gives
For the second year running, Long Beach Organic is excited to be part of Long Beach Gives. Donations will be matched by nonprofit foundations, bolstering your investment in our mission.
Three ways to help:
Three ways to help:
Ben Hodges Memoriam
Long Beach Organic is sad to say goodbye to board member and treasurer Ben Hodges, who recently passed away. Chief Financial Officer of Edison Energy, Ben joined the LBO board three years ago with the goal of helping an environmental cause. His expertise brought our organization’s finances to a new level. He was an exemplary individual, both personally and professionally, and his generosity and kindness enriched us all. To make a donation in Ben’s memory, please fill out the form to the right.
Board
Valerie Condon
President
A lifelong resident of Long Beach, Valerie is a practicing realtor following a brief career as an educator in the Long Beach Unified School District.
Tony Damico
Vice President
Tony Damico is an educator, community organizer, and non-profit leader. He co-directs Long Beach Fresh, a non-profit local food system accelerator.
Joseph Corso
Garden Director
Joe Corso developed a passion for composting at an early age and has been a gardener for most of his life. He is also an artist and a personal chef.
Lourdes Padgett
Member
Lourdes believes children will eat what they grow, and has helped bring children’s gardens into many school playgrounds. She believes gardening is therapeutic, and helps support gardeners' physical and mental well-being.
Gardens
Long Beach Organic's newest site, the Crown Victory Community Garden includes 22 ground-level planters, two raised planters, and an 8-foot-tall grape arbor.
Read More
The Grace Park Garden, located within a pocket park at Plymouth and Elm streets, is part of a collaboration with the city to provide more green space in North Long Beach.
Read More
Commemorating avid gardener Mary Molina, this garden came to life with the Molina family's donation of land to the City of Long Beach for a community garden.
Read More
The city set aside space for this community garden during an expansion of Orizaba Park in 2010.
Read More
Established in 2001 on a vacant city property, the Pacific and Sixth Community Garden is a small patch of green on busy Pacific Avenue.
Read More
Opened in December 2013 with 20 small plots, the Seventh and Chestnut garden in downtown Long Beach is a favorite of nearby apartment dwellers.
Read More
Started in 2010, the South Forty is a green oasis in an industrial area with 43 plots.
Read More
Zaferia Junction Garden at 10th and Grand streets is LBO's largest garden, with 90 garden plots.
Read MoreRegulations
LBO Gardener Requirements
Membership and Plot Rental Fees
Annual membership: $25.00
Plot rental: $0.40 per square foot per six-month season (includes $0.15 water surcharge)
Seasons: Begin on March 1 and Sept. 1
Plot sizes: Vary, 10’x10′ foot is common
Minimum plot fee per season: $30.00 (applied to rental of plots smaller than 10’x8′)
Plot fee calculation example:
10’x10’ = 100 square feet
100 square feet x $0.40 = $40.00
$40.00 x 2 seasons + $80.00
+ LBO membership fee $25.00
Total for one year of gardening: $105.00
Priorities for Assigning Plots
- Complete and sign a rental agreement and waiver of liability with LBO for each season
- Maintain your plot year round.
- Complete a minimum of 10 hours of community work in the common areas per 6-month season (20 hours annually).
- Pay membership dues and plot fees by March 1 and Sept. 1.
- New gardeners must plant their gardens within 30 days of signing the rental agreement.
- Participating in garden events is as important as paying rent! Regular communal workdays and potlucks are scheduled for completion of community work hours, fun, and camaraderie.
- Special arrangements can be made for those who can't attend the workdays to complete their minimum hours in other ways.
Membership and Plot Rental Fees
Annual membership: $25.00
Plot rental: $0.40 per square foot per six-month season (includes $0.15 water surcharge)
Seasons: Begin on March 1 and Sept. 1
Plot sizes: Vary, 10’x10′ foot is common
Minimum plot fee per season: $30.00 (applied to rental of plots smaller than 10’x8′)
Plot fee calculation example:
10’x10’ = 100 square feet
100 square feet x $0.40 = $40.00
$40.00 x 2 seasons + $80.00
+ LBO membership fee $25.00
Total for one year of gardening: $105.00
Priorities for Assigning Plots
- Quarterly payment, sliding scale rent, and reduced memberships are available in some circumstances. Contact president@longbeachorganic.org to discuss assistance.
- Some gardens have long waiting lists with little turnover.
- Factors other than waiting list priority may apply. LBO is interested in providing plots to low-income families, especially those with children, who might not otherwise have access to wholesome, organic produce.
- Long Beach residents or those who may live in a neighboring city but near a garden are given priority.
- Some property owners have other special requirements. For example, the City of Long Beach’s Department of Parks, Recreation & Marine requests that those within walking distance of the garden be given priority.
- Special consideration is given to individuals who have no other opportunity to garden.
- LBO does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.
Get a Plot
Interested in growing your own produce? Check off the community gardens
that interest you. Plots are currently available at the South 40 and Grace Park gardens.
If you check off a garden that is currently full, you'll be added to the waiting list
and contacted when space is available.
that interest you. Plots are currently available at the South 40 and Grace Park gardens.
If you check off a garden that is currently full, you'll be added to the waiting list
and contacted when space is available.
Membership & Plot Renewal
To become a Long Beach Organic member, renew your membership, or pay plot rental fees, please enter the amount above.
Your Support Helps:
Your Support Helps:
- Enhance charity gardens
- Expand education initiatives
- Maintain existing gardens
- Plan new garden locations
- Tax Deduction
- Invitations to exclusive Member Events
- Event discounts
- Recipe Booklet from LBO Cooks Series
- Newsletters and access to member and public events
- $25 Hardy – Individual Membership
- $40 Hybrid – You and Guest Membership
- $60 Heirloom – Family Membership (2 adults and 2 children under 18)
$25.00
Donate
Your contributions will help transform urban, vacant lots into beautiful community gardens for local, sustainable food. Download your 1099 and review LBO's financials.
Did you know that you could support LBO just by shopping at Amazon or Lazy Acres Market?
AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know with the same products, prices and services, but you can support your charitable organization by starting your shopping here. Amazon will donate 0.5 percent of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Long Beach Organic.
Sign up for a Community Card at Lazy Acres Market, where you can buy all your natural and organic foods. Every time you shop, up to 4 percent of your purchase will be directed to the nonprofit of your choice!
Did you know that you could support LBO just by shopping at Amazon or Lazy Acres Market?
AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know with the same products, prices and services, but you can support your charitable organization by starting your shopping here. Amazon will donate 0.5 percent of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Long Beach Organic.
Sign up for a Community Card at Lazy Acres Market, where you can buy all your natural and organic foods. Every time you shop, up to 4 percent of your purchase will be directed to the nonprofit of your choice!
$25.00
Blog
A member of LBO since 2003, Ken has moved back to the Midwest, but leaves behind his knowledge of pickles and cover crops.
Read More
Hill planting can retirn your weed-choked garden bed to prodoctivity.
Read More
The gardens are open, but work parties and group activities are cancelled.
Read More
Broccoli and cauliflower are showing up more on restaurant menus.
Read More
Beans are versatile, low calorie, and nutrient rich.
Read More
Citrus greening has devastated millions of acres of citrus around the world.
Read More
Leeks and onions can make your mouth water or bring tears to your eyes.
Read More
Good nutrition is the first defense against disease.
Read More
Food that’s good for you is also good for the environment.
Read More
Photos
Events
An enchanted outdoor dining experience at a private residence, with garden-fresh cuisine, wine, music and dancing. Join Long Beach Organic as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary with a special night under the stars with music by My Funny Valentine. Enjoy a delicious dinner created on-site using freshly grown produce from LBO’s gardens, along with locally sourced ingredients. All proceeds benefit LBO, which has been providing affordable organic community garden space to Long Beach households and educational opportunities for 25 years.
Read More
Help us celebrate our 25th Anniversary with a family-friendly day in the garden Sunday, April 28 11 AM to 3 PM Zaferia Junction Community Garden Celebrate Earth Day by touring the Zaferia Junction Community Garden. Show your support for urban gardening by becoming an LBO member. Build your own pizza from our sumptuous buffet of ingredients (vegan-friendly). Non-alcoholic drinks provided. Donation $35 per person for new members, $25 for existing members. Kids under 12 free! Reserve your spot now. RSVP to reservations@longbeachorganic.org.
Read MoreNewsletter Signup
Sign up to receive updates about Long Beach Organic workshops, events, and other activities.