This program is currently only open to DUG gardens.
Food is cultural, and every community carries seeds of memory, migration, and meaning. DUG’s Culturally Inclusive Seeds Program honors that truth—offering rare and heritage varieties to gardeners across Denver so they can grow what feels like home.
From amaranth to epazote, these seeds support culinary traditions, intergenerational storytelling, and cross-cultural connection. They don’t just grow food—they grow belonging.
Are you a DUG garden leader and have questions about the program? Please email [email protected] or stop by the office during these hours:
Summer (July & August) Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays by appointment only and Tuesdays & Thursdays 9am-5pm
Tuesday through Thursday from 9am to 5pm (excluding holidays!)
Wednesdays from 11am to 7pm (excluding holidays!)
*These extended hours are seasonal and based on staff availability. If you plan to visit our office and want to confirm office hours, please call our office at (303) 292-9900 Tuesday through Thursday 9am-2pm.
Plant Varieties offered
Vendor Partnerships
Disclaimer: The translations listed on the catalog pages are unofficial and represent DUG’s good faith effort to communicate these seed variety names as broadly as possible. If you notice an error or have a recommendation, please email [email protected] so that the next version of our catalog better serves Denver.
The “SI” icon signifies “Start Indoors” and is used for seeds that we recommend starting early to maximize harvests in Colorado Front Range conditions. We recognize the varieties in this catalog have diverse needs, so please view this designation as suggestive.
We ask that only DUG Garden Leaders submit orders, rather than individual gardeners. We encourage Garden Leaders to consult with their gardeners before submitting an order and request 1 joint submission per DUG Garden.
To guarantee adequate lead time for SI varieties, please submit your order as soon as possible. Please submit your order via one of the following options:
We ask that gardens try to get their orders in by then to give us enough time to mail the seeds with time to start indoors ahead of transplanting..
The program aims to connect primarily BIPOC gardeners with specialty seed varieties that are familiar to them but hard to find locally. We encourage gardens to place an order consistent with this type of need in their space. The program is not intended for general or bulk ordering. Please use the catalog to meet specific needs from identified gardeners (especially gardeners with a cultural connection to a variety).
DUG has a large free seed collection available in the DUG office intended to meet the general/bulk seed needs of DUG gardens. Learn more about our Community Seed Distribution program!
The varieties in this catalog represent the collective wisdom of community members and partners throughout the Front Range. For their collaboration in the development of this catalog, we would like to thank the following organizations:
APDC Community Garden
Beeler Community Garden
Cole Community Garden
Greenlee School Community Garden
Montview Community Garden
Nome Park Community Garden
Do you have questions, comments, or suggestions about the Culturally Inclusive Seeds program? Do you have suggestions about important seed varieties you think are missing? This program is community-driven and always open to your feedback. Please reach out to [email protected].
