October marks the end of the harvest season in Colorado, so it makes sense to celebrate National Farmer’s Day this month. This “national day” has much deeper roots than some of the sillier internet holidays (there’s not much history behind “National Name Your Car Day”!).
Farming is one of the world’s oldest industries. It was the catalyst that marked the change from a hunter/gatherer lifestyle to community-based living. Farming helped humanity to put down roots and establish the concept of home.
In modern society, we are often disconnected from our food sources. But behind every apple we eat, there is a farmer who planted a seed.
Community gardens are the best way to get your hands dirty. Spending time digging around in the dirt can be a huge mood booster, and is one of our Compass Boulder realtor team’s favorite activities! It’s also an incredible way to get involved with the community and make friends with your neighbors. Enjoy your harvest on your dinner table and donate any excess produce to the community food share.
There are several community garden plots around Boulder*:
* Read the City of Boulder community garden rules and regulations.
Hawthorn
You can find this community garden on the corner of 16th and Hawthorn. It’s bordered by the North Boulder Walk/ Bike path. It’s the largest community garden in Boulder, with over 200 plots at the site.
Fortune
This 18-plot garden is located in Fortune Park in Central Boulder.
Hickory
There are 28 garden plots at this East Boulder location. You can find this garden at the dead end of West Hickory Street.
Living Harvest
Living Harvest has 30 plots sponsored by the Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church. It’s located in North Boulder at the intersection of 28th and Jay Road.
Hope
Get your hands dirty in one of 23 garden plots in this South Boulder location. It’s located at 1345 South Broadway at the Mt. Hope Lutheran Church.
Foothills
The Foothills community garden is the second largest community garden in the city. The 46-plot garden is located in Foothills Community Park near Shining Mountain Waldorf School.
Kerr
Kerr is the only community garden in Louisville. Its 41 plots are lush with vegetables and flowers. It’s located on Courtesy Road, across from downtown Louisville.
How do I sign up to participate in a Boulder community garden?
The 2023 community garden sign-up begins in February. At the start of the new year, keep an eye on this page of the Growing Gardens website. New information will be updated regularly. If you’re unable to get a spot on your first try, our Compass Boulder real estate agents recommend joining the waitlist.
Community Garden Supported Events
Throughout the year, Boulder Community gardens inspire community events. Here are a few that you can look forward to:
Cool Weather Plant Sale
Every April and May Growing Gardens hosts a cool local plant sale. Shop weather-hearty plants that will inspire pollinator activity.
Cheesemaking
Learn how to get started making your artisanal cheeses. This December class will teach you about equipment, recipes, resources, and milk types. And as a perk- you’ll get to sample some fantastic fresh cheeses and yogurts.
Weekly Farmstand
From June through October Growing Gardens hosts a farmstand where you can buy incredible fresh (locally produced!) goods from gardens and farmers around Boulder. You can buy tomatillos, eggplant, garlic, greens, spices, apples, and more. The organization partners with other local farmers so you can also pick up mushrooms, eggs, pastries, pasta, and more. You can click here to check what will be available at the farmstand this week.
The farmstand is located at 1630 Hawthorn Avenue.
Community Harvest Festival
Every year on National Farmer’s Day, there is a free fall celebration at Growing Garden’s urban farm. Paint pumpkins, enjoy lawn games, and listen to a fantastic local Bluegrass band. A Biergarten and food truck lot will also be set up. Don’t forget to pet the resident goats before you go!
Happy National Farmer’s Day from the Burgess Group | Compass!
In 2021, The Compass Boulder real estate agents at Burgess Group worked alongside Community Food Share to create a giant community garden at the Historic McKenzie Farm. The project produced thousands of pounds of food for citizens experiencing hunger in Broomfield and Boulder counties. The project successfully concluded in October 2021, but there are still great ways to help reduce food insecurity in Boulder. 1 hour of volunteering with Community Food Share provides 60 meals. Click here for more information about volunteering.
