National Garden Month & Earth Day
The Roots of National Garden Month
National Garden Month grew from a week-long celebration established in the 1980s by the National Garden Bureau and several partner organizations. By 2002, the National Gardening Association expanded the event to the entire month of April, recognizing the widespread passion for the craft.
Today, this month-long celebration is marked by educational workshops, plant swaps, and community events across the country. These activities are designed to spark interest in the hobby and encourage more people to experience the rewards of growing their own plants.
Earth Day and the Environmental Connection
While Earth Day is its own distinct global event held on April 22, it naturally shares in the spirit of gardening. Since its debut in 1970, Earth Day has grown into a worldwide movement for environmental protection, engaging over a billion people in nearly 200 countries. Together, these April celebrations highlight how local gardening efforts contribute to a healthier, more sustainable planet.
Sustainable Resources for Every Gardener
LA County Library is proud to support these initiatives by offering tools and knowledge to help you garden smarter. Below, you will find a collection of resources and practical tips focused on reducing waste and adopting sustainable habits. Small, thoughtful changes in our own backyards—or on our balconies—can lead to a significant positive impact on our local environment.
Gardening
Plant Seeds
Check out the Seed Library
Pick up free flower, vegetable, herb, and pulse seeds for your home garden during your next visit to a location offering seeds.
Gardening Tools
Check out the Tool Lending Library
Borrow gardening tools for free at Tool Lending Library locations. We offer a wide assortment of tools to start and maintain your garden.
Recycling and Waste Reduction
Here are some ways you can take action to celebrate Earth Day.
Food Waste Prevention – Create a weekly menu for cooking meals and only buy food that you need. Learn more at FoodDropLA.com.
Smart Gardening – Compost to divert food waste from landfills and enrich your soil. Visit SmartGardening.com to learn how.
Go Paperless – Opt to receive email or text reminders to pay bills electronically. Sign-up to stop receiving junk mail.
Household Hazardous Waste Alternatives – Make your own common household products such as window cleaners, spot removers, and pest repellents using ingredients found around your home that are chemical free. Find alternative recipes at CleanLA.com.
Bring Your Own – Carry your own reusable foodware and bottles everywhere you go to avoid using single use items.
Reuse – Donate items you no longer need and repurpose items such as using jars/containers for storing other items or scrap paper for notes, pet cage liners, origami, and more!
Recycle Right – Ensure your recyclables are empty, clean, and dry before placing them in your recycling bin. Remember, you can also put cash in your pocket by recycling CRV beverage containers.
Rethink – Find ways to reduce the waste you create by purchasing and disposing wisely. Consider if the item can be reused, repaired, or recycled.
Become environmental stewards by implementing these steps and encourage others to do the same to reduce waste as well as conserve energy and water.
Content provided by Los Angeles County Public Works. For more information and tips visit CleanLA.com. Don’t forget to follow @CleanLA on Twitter!
