The Alhambra Library's Let's Grow Alhambra program provides the community with a Demonstration Garden and Garden Group, a Produce Exchange Station, a Seed Library, and various programs and events that focus on environmental sustainability, urban gardening, conservation techniques, and how to embrace habits for a healthier and more resilient future.
EVENTS
COMING SOON
The Garden Group is launching soon! Check back for more details.
The Alhambra Library Garden Group program is designed to empower aspiring gardeners to start their own gardens for growing food, herbs, and flowers. The five-month program (January to May or July to November) provides participants with a dedicated plot for planting, tending, and harvesting their choice of approved seeds or starter plants. The initiative supports the Alhambra Library's commitment to promoting sustainable and healthy living in our community, and fostering a greater connection to the environment.
DEMONSTRATION GARDEN & GARDEN GROUP Q & A
How do I make a raised garden bed like this at home?
We used the following website for information on raised garden beds: How to Build a Raised Garden Bed on Concrete, Patio, or Hard Surface ~ Homestead and Chill
Where did the library purchase the plants?
San Gabriel Nursery & Florist (sgnursery.com)
Where did the library purchase the garden beds?
Costco: Vita 8'X12' Keyhole Garden Bed
Where did the library purchase the water sprayer?
Amazon: Scotts 190617 Lithium-ion Pump Zero Wheeled Sprayer, 3 Gallon
Can I water my own plants?
Please do not water your plants – Library staff and the designated Garden Group is regularly watering the plants.
How often are the plants watered?
Staff and the Garden Group water the plants every other day, except for rainy days.
Is shade provided for the more delicate plants?
Currently, we do not have the resources to provide shade structures for the plants. The plants will be exposed to the sunlight/shade that is normally encountered in the garden area.
Can I keep my plants?
Yes! If you are part of the Garden Group, you will get to keep your plants.
Can I enter the garden to take a closer look at the plants?
Yes, if you are part of the Garden Group, but please remember to close the garden gate when you leave.
I don’t have room for a raised garden bed, but I would like to start a container garden, what can I do?
Check out this handout to learn more about starting your own container garden.
Will there be another gardening opportunity in the Demonstration Garden?
We are planning our Garden Group at the moment. Check back on this page to keep up to date on all of our Let’s Grow Alhambra events and programs.
How did the library fund this program?
This project is supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.
PRODUCE EXCHANGE STATION
Located on the First Floor next to the Seed Library. Where our community comes together to share the bounty of their gardens. Local gardeners are invited to bring their extra fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, cultivated with care and passion to share in this lively exchange.
SEED LIBRARY
The Alhambra Library Seed Library offers free fruit, herb, vegetable, and California native flower seeds to Alhambra residents. Visit the Seed Library on the First Floor to choose some seeds to plant in your garden or containers. Limit of two packets per person. We ask that you only take what you'll use so that there are enough seeds for everyone. Our mission, seed types, and growing tips are below.
MISSION
Through the seed library, we hope to:
- Spark interest in learning how to garden and grow food.
- Foster an appreciation and enjoyment of nature, from soil organisms, to plants, to bees, and birds.
- Encourage food self-sufficiency, both personally (growing your own food) as well as in community (harvesting and giving back organically-grown seeds to the community to further a sustainable cycle).
- Help preserve biodiversity, and increase populations of native pollinators (birds, hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and insects) by planting native flowering plants that provide nectar and pollen, and refuge.
- Increase equity in our community—access to free seeds increases food security and food justice.
- Improve health—growing food in healthy soil can provide more nutrient-rich food than commercial farming.
- Respond to climate change—there’s nothing more local than harvesting from your own yard or balcony.
- Provide education on growing food, healthy soil, saving seeds, and related topics.
- Foster a sense of community among Alhambra’s “urban farmers”.
SEED TYPES (Please note that seed availability will vary)
| Flower: | Fruit: | Herb: | Vegetable: |
| Blue Sage | Cucumber | Arugula | Beet |
| Cornflower | Cucumber (Armenian) | Basil | Broccoli (Calabrese) |
| Cosmos | Pepper (Jalapeño) | Basil (Thai) | Broccoli (Waltham) |
| Daisy (Gloriosa) | Tomato (Beefsteak) | Chamomile (German) | Brussels Sprouts |
| Evening Primrose | Tomato (Brandywine) | Cilantro | Cabbage (Chinese) |
| Gaillardia | Tomato (Cherokee) | Dill | Cabbage (Red) |
| Globe Gilia | Tomato (Red Cherry) | Parsley (Italian) | Carrot (Chanteney) |
| Godetia | Tomato (Roma) | Peppermint | Carrot (Purple) |
| Lavender | Watermelon (Sugar Baby) | Rosemary | Carrot (Nantes) |
| Marigold (African) | Thyme | Cauliflower | |
| Poppy (California Orange) | Chives (Garlic) | ||
| Rose Mallow | Corn (Sweet) | ||
| Salvia (Summer Jewel) | Eggplant | ||
| Sunflower (Mammoth Grey) | Eggplant (Asian) | ||
| Sunflower (Evening Colors) | Kale | ||
| Wildflowers | Kale (Black Magic) | ||
| Lettuce (Batavia) | |||
| Lettuce (Oakleaf) | |||
| Lettuce (Romaine) | |||
| Mexican Sour Gherkin | |||
| Mustard (Red) | |||
| Mustard (Tatsoi) | |||
| Okra | |||
| Onion (Bunching) | |||
| Onion (Tokyo Long White) | |||
| Onion (Yellow) | |||
| Pak Choi Bopak | |||
| Pea (Snow) | |||
| Pea (Sugar Snap) | |||
| Pepper (Anaheim Chile) | |||
| Pepper (Ancho Poblano) | |||
| Popcorn | |||
| Radish (Cherry) | |||
| Radish (Daikon) | |||
| Radish (Watermelon) | |||
| Spinach | |||
| Squash (Butternut) | |||
| Squash (Pink Banana) | |||
| Squash (Summer) | |||
| Swiss Chard (Rainbow) | |||
| Tomatillo |
GROWING TIPS
Basic growing tips and other gardening and composting information are provided below. For further information, the seed packets will include individualized instructions for each seed type.
- A Year of Growing Vegetables
- Composting Basics (CHINESE, SPANISH)
- How to Start Your Garden from a Seed
- Smart Gardening Guide
- Soil and Water Management for Vegetable Gardens (SPANISH)
- Vegetable Garden Basics
Visit the Master Gardeners of LA County website for information sessions, gardening tips, gardening classes, and much more.
For particular questions about your plants, pests, or other garden advice, you can call or email Master Gardeners.
MORE READING
Four-season food gardening by Misilla Dela Llana
The ultimate wildlife habitat garden by Stacy Tornio
The urban garden: 101 ways to grow food and beauty in the city by Kathy Jentz
Bloom: the secrets of growing flowering houseplants year-round by Lisa Eldred Steinkopf
A spoonful of soil helps the world go round by Nydia Needham
Llewellyn's 2023 Herbal Almanac edited by Lauryn Heineman
This project is supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.
