Hamilton Community Garden

Want to get my girlfriend and I a spot as a birthday present, I think it would be a great way to spend time together. Do any of you have information regarding how I go along with attaining a plot. Any info would help, can’t wait! Thanks

What could be better than growing your own vegetables? I can’t think of too many hobbies that are more worthwhile.
As mentioned in my wife Sandya’s review, the City of Costa Mesa governs this garden and the one on Del Mar Ave. Get on the waiting list now, because you’ll have to wait several months to get a plot.
Most of the gardeners here are pretty cool and willing to swap seedlings (and free advice!) They communicate via a Yahoo! group. There’s even a common area where you’re allowed to pick whatever is growing as long as you contribute by pulling out some weeds. There is also a mulch pile that’s available to all.
Not to brag, but some of my wife’s produce have won blue ribbons at the OC Fair! Better, though, is the feeling of satisfaction you get from knowing that your food was naturally raised by you.
Yes, I’ve been known to help!

The city has now jacked up the annual rates to $ 60/​year with a key/​clean up deposit of $ 120! What a shame that what was once a very reasonably priced community perk, for those of us trying to save a few dollars and grow our own vegetables in a down economy, has been made less economical by the city.

Hamilton Community Garden in Costa Mesa is a magical place where apartment dwellers, homeowners with no land (which is most of CM), and those of us who just want to play in the dirt can mix and mingle while trying to coax something to grow from the ground.
You can plant and grow anything you want (that’s legal!) for your own personal use/​consumption, and it’s only $ 30 a year for a 15×15′ plot. In the words of the great Huell Howser, «That’s amaaaaaziiiing!!!».
So far, I’ve grown tons of tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, basil, arugula, herbs like rosemary, thyme, cilantro, and parsley, lettuce, flowers, and lots of other good things. It’s so much fun to grow your own veggies, and you can save big $$ on not having to buy produce too (especially during the summer).
FYI, there is a fairly long wait list to get a plot, so apply early and be patient until one opens up – though it’s usually sooner than the city’s estimate. Also, the yearly fee is $ 30 for Costa Mesa residents and slightly more for non-​residents. In addition, there’s also a small refundable deposit for a copy of the key to access the gated gardening area — gotta keep those carrot and kale thieves out ya know!
Happy Gardening and come say «hi» if you get a plot.