LWers reap the bounty of their harvest and prep for winter

After getting her soil situated in late July, Community Gardener Anna Derby planted late-season tomatoes, kale, green onions, lettuce, eggplants and hot peppers, many of which grew decently enough to provide crops to enjoy.

Two days before Christmas, gardeners began to prepare for winter crops. Derby, Jessica Choi and Michael Oh cleared out Korean white turnips and some unsuccessful green tomatoes. Now, they’re planting winter produce like cabbage, Napa cabbage, carrots, and garlic in the hopes of getting crops. The individuals love picking straight from their gardens.

“We enjoy gardening because it helps us meditate,” Derby said. “It soothes us the most, and creates a peaceful mind from all kinds of things happening in the real world. You couldn’t get that from many other activities.”

She continued, “We sure hope to see many more shareholders decide to try gardening. We receive a great emotional benefit from growing produce in our own backyard.”

Lots are available for immediate lease at the Community Gardens.

Would-be gardeners can visit the Leisure World website, www. lwsb.com, to sign up. Find the Community tab, then choose Community Garden Waitlist and complete the online form.

Applicants will receive a letter from the Recreation Department confirming that they’ve received a plot. For more information, email Julie O’Brien at minifarm@lwsb.com or call 562-431-6586, ext. 2314.

Jessica Choi, Michael Oh and Anna Derby after cleaning their plots, harvesting white turnips, tomatoes and produce to make delicious kimchi.