Newbie permie looking for supplies in Los Angeles!

Hello all! I'm relatively new to Permaculture but I'm trying to jump right in. I work on a farm in Malibu, CA and I've started to branch out, working for people in the Los Angeles area who want to revamp their property with edible gardens, etc. The problem that I'm running into is that I have yet to find a REALLY good place to purchase supplies. Home Depot is seriously lacking in terms of organics and specialty supplies and it would be great if I didn't have to order everything I wanted online. SO, I'm wondering if there's a secret, hidden spot in Los Angeles that anyone can recommend that has specialty supplies (i.e. organic seeds, small portable greenhouses, compost bins, etc.). Some sort of emporium or something? Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thank you!

Welcome to permies, Mischa, I don't know the answer to you question but I am sure others will. I like the sound of the work you are doing.

Thank you!

no "emporium" that I know of maybe contact some folks on meet up for your local part of LA
maybe this is a business opportunity?
compost bins are really better used as worm farms in my experience.
I know culver city/mar vista has a permie house, they just did a weekend pdc, contact them?
there is the institute of urban ecology who also do a radio show on kpfk, maybe call in or email your question to the show. actually, check out there website and they interview a bunch of local permies who may be able to guide you to what you are looking for.
and there is a guy up in topanga canyon who is doing great stuff-- I can't recall his name or group name right now.
also, you can just take some walks and get a lot of seeds for free.
anyhow, welcome to permies, this site is awesome!

Good stuff Tom! Thank you so much!

contact your local Master Gardener and check out this website: They should be able to help you with anything and everything!

http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu

http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/Common_Ground_Garden_Program/Grow_LA_Victory_Garden_Initiative/

good luck!

I think Tom is referring to crossbullranch.com in Topanga Canyon. I haven't been there yet but they could be a good resource. If you don't mind disclosing Mischa what farm do you work on in Malibu? I live in the Ventura County area and I am always in Malibu especially in the summer due to one my favorite little beach breaks, Zuma! I have been trying to find a good place to volunteer/gain experience with permaculture. If you guys have any volunteer days, need an extra hand on the farm, or even have other projects I am trying to break through myself and maybe we could get in contact. Good luck!

Hey Taylor, if you're driving home from Zuma, try stopping at Neptune's Net (right @ County Line) for sea food.
If you want crab (or other things), you just point to the live one you want in the tank. Then, they cook it.
Can't get any 'fresher' than that.

Hey John I surf at county and go to neptune's sometimes too. Nothing like a beer and some fresh seafood after a fun day

You access to plenty of seaweed which makes good mulch and compost. I've never used it myself, but plan to and hear many good things about it as mulch and a soil/compost additive. Should be lots of info on this site and online.

Also, youre to late this year, but definitely put Tomato Mania at Tapia Brothers in the Valley on you list calendar. Its a huge heirloom tomato seedling sale. Lots of rare and unique varieties. \

Check out Whittier Fertilizer in Pico Rivera. They are good for some things . http://whittierfertilizer.com/