Consistently ranked as one of the sunniest spots in the country, Boulder is the perfect place to cultivate a lush, bountiful garden throughout spring and summer. Hundreds of urban garden plots in Boulder County offer a chance for all to get involved with the community and learn about gardening while staying healthy and active. These plots fill up quickly – here’s everything you need to know about how to land one this growing season!
Growing Gardens
Growing Gardens is a Boulder-based, non-profit that’s been a staple of our community for over 20 years. This organization teaches residents in and around Boulder County about sustainable agriculture through the use of urban, community gardens.
Growing Gardens boasts over 535 individual plots in Longmont, Boulder, and Louisville. Garden plots are managed by a Garden Leader who is able to provide advice and guidance for new gardeners. With 7 locations in Boulder, Growing Gardens provides opportunities for all residents to get involved. Not only do their plots encourage community involvement and conscious gardening, but they also aim to decrease food insecurity and provide hunger relief. 2019 registration is open and plots are spoken for quickly – sign up soon to reserve yours!
In addition to urban garden plots, Growing Gardens offers other opportunities for involvement. There are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities for those interested in giving their time and talents to this influential organization (e.g. greenhouse tasks, office administration, community events, etc.). If committing to a season long garden plot seems too daunting, you can still get involved here.
Growing Gardens will also host a variety of classes this coming year that help novice gardeners bring their produce from farm to table. They’ll offer gardening, cooking, and food preservation classes that promote organic, sustainable living. With classes like “Aromatherapy Spritzers” and “Chocolate Making”, there’s something to learn for all interests and skill levels.
Boulder County Extension Community Garden
Colorado State University offers urban plots in Longmont, through their Boulder County Extension Community Garden program. Established over 25 years ago, this community garden consists of several dozen plots rented by Boulder citizens without a place to grow fruits, vegetables, or flowers around their own homes. It’s up to planters whether they want to plant edible or ornamental vegetation – or both. Plots are offered in 300 or 600 square foot sizes with spigots and compost, when possible. Their website advises gardening hopefuls to get on the waitlist early and provides contact info here.
Second Start Community Garden
This organization in Longmont has been connecting Boulder County residents with its food since 1996. Second Start has 60 plots averaging 400 square feet. This organization is focused on giving back to the earth through sustainable agriculture. Their contract requires planters to use organic gardening techniques, practice water conservation, and volunteer just 8 hours of community service through the entire growing season. If you’re interested in brushing up on your gardening knowledge, Second Start provides many resources here. Registration opens on February 28, but gardeners are encouraged to jump on the waitlist now to ensure a plot.
If you don’t make the waitlist or are unable to secure a community garden plot this growing season, each of these programs offer other ways to participate. You can sign up as a volunteer or attend a variety of garden related classes to get involved with the community and learn more about sustainable, urban gardening.