Thank you for being the heartbeat of DUG Community Gardens. We recognize how important of a role you play in the garden, and our goal is to ensure you have all the resources you need to help your community garden thrive and to feel supported throughout the seasons.
We ask all Garden Leaders to utilize the resources listed below — they’re here to connect you with DUG staff and one another in support of that goal. If you have specific questions or concerns not addressed here, please contact [email protected].
Garden Leader Guide
The DUG Garden Leader Guide is a MUST READ for all Garden Leaders to understand the roles and responsibilities of Garden Leaders, as well as policies for community gardens in the DUG Network. It’s also the place to bookmark to get quick access to seasonal tips and resources.
DUG Online on Mighty Networks
DUG Online is an online forum to meet, exchange ideas, and get troubleshooting tips from other Garden Leaders! Stay in the loop about gardening tips, upcoming meetups, and need-to-knows throughout the gardening season.
GetConnected
Sign up for DUG’s GetConnected platform to schedule and manage your own volunteer workdays! Watch our video tutorial HERE get started and have a successful community-building season.
Monthly Newsletter
We send out a Monthly Garden Leader Newsletter to keep you informed about upcoming trainings, new resources, and reminders. The newsletter gets sent to your DUG community garden email address.
Missed one or can’t find it in your inbox? Click below for the one you’re looking for.
Upcoming Events
Events
ADDITIONAL Resources
- Fundraise for Your Garden
- Order Compost
- Order Lumber
- Order Crusher Fine
- Order Straw
- Order Dumpster
- Borrow Tools
- Garden Waste Pickup
- Donate Your Extra Produce
FUNDRAISE FOR YOUR GARDEN
Throughout the season, there are plenty of ways you can actively earn funding for your community garden. From grants to sponsorships, take a look below at what you can do!
Garden Adoption
DUG’s Garden Adoption program is a three-year commitment where a community organization or business provides a monetary donation that partly contributes directly to the community garden. This can also offer corporate volunteer opportunities for your garden.
Grants & Donations
- Front Range Organic Gardeners (FROG) offers mini-grants up to $500 to organic gardening organizations (including community gardens) to support education and growing, including funding materials.
- The King Soopers Fight Hunger bag program is a great way to increase awareness of your community garden within your neighborhood. This program donates $1 per $2.50 bag sold during a specified time at select King Soopers locations.
- SeedMoney is a group crowdfunding competition open to any public food garden project located anywhere in the world, and offers grants up to $1,000.
- Target Grants & Corporate Giving can provide gift cards of $25-$50, up to $500 per year per organization. Target GiftCard donations are available February through December, as funding permits.
In-Kind
We recommend outlining materials and supplies you need and actively engaging local businesses and Facebook groups to source them. Many community gardens have had success sourcing sheds, soil, and plants to support their operations from in-kind donations.
Do you know of any funding opportunities for community gardens and want to share with others in the DUG network?
Email us at [email protected] and we’ll add it to this page.
Order Compost
To order compost for your garden, be prepared to share your name and contact information, the name of your garden, all relevant delivery information, and the number of yards of compost.
A1 Organics
Deliveries are available from the Sheridan and Commerce City locations
Capacity: 3-8 cubic yards available. If you’d like to order more than 8 yards, call (1-800-776-1644) to get a delivery quote
Call to order 970-454-3492 (ask for Sarah or LV). You can also email attn. Sarah or LV at [email protected] and [email protected]. No cancellations within a week of the delivery date.
A1 Organics will invoice DUG, and DUG will draw the bill from your garden’s financial account. To order online through the Online Ordering portal, you must pay out of pocket and submit an expense reimbursement. The link to the A1 portal is located at https://a1organics.bulkdelivery.app/category/dug-products. You don’t need to be at the garden to receive the order.
When placing an online order, you will place a pin on a Google map for your delivery location. This allows garden leads the ability to be at the garden during the time of delivery.
It is recommended that you incorporate 3-4” of compost to 6-8” of virgin soil to establish a garden bed. Annual maintenance is top-dress with 1 inch in the spring and fall. Can incorporate after application into top 3-4” of soil.. Newer gardens may need more compost, while more established gardens may need less compost.
To calculate the amount of compost needed for a single plot, enter the dimensions into this online compost calculator from A1 organics. Select “EcoPlus Organic,” enter the length and width of your plot in feet, and the depth of compost you wish to apply in inches.
An average 10’×12’ square plot needs less than 0.1 yard of compost, or 3 cubic feet of compost per season. For bulk compost orders, measure the average plot size (length & width). Multiple by the number of plots and enter these values into the calculator.
Example: For 10 plots measuring 10’x12’ enter the following values into the calculator: Length – 100, Width – 120, and Depth – 0.25
EcoPlus Organic Compost is also sold in 1 cubic foot bags at local Ace Hardware Stores & Garden Centers along the Colorado Front Range. Location map: https://a1organics.com/ecoplus-organic-compost-bag/
EcoPlus™ Organic Compost is an OMRI® Listed compost, approved for organic use or production. EcoPlus is also STA Certified and produced using feedstocks of primarily ground tree, limb, leaves, grass, source separated fruits/vegetables, and brewery residuals.
The USCC Seal of Testing Assurance Program (STA Certified) requires monthly testing, all analytic data (Compost Technical Data Sheet) can be requested at https://a1organics.com/analytics/.
EcoPlus™ Organic Compost contains essential micro and macro nutrients, low in salts, supports beneficial microbes, and screened to a ½” minus.
Order Lumber
Specialty Wood Products (SWP)
- Select rough-cut cedar (2x6s, 4x6s, 4x4s)
- Place order at least 2 weeks in advance by contacting TC Cruz at [email protected] or (303) 288-8484
- Make sure to clearly list your garden name and they will invoice DUG directly.
- Materials can be picked up or delivered for a $65 delivery fee.
For ground plots, DUG recommends 2”x6” cedar planks and 4”x4” stakes in the corners to secure the plot in place.
If needed and for raised beds, wider planks such as 2″x8″ or 2”x10” can be used.
Cedar deters garden pests and lasts 10-15 years.
Order Crusher Fine or Breeze
Ewing Outdoor Supply
- Order gray breeze or granite breeze (Minimum order: 2 tons; Maximum: 15 tons)
- Call (303) 406-8415 and identify yourself as a DUG Garden Leader. Provide your garden name as the PO and confirm delivery window, location, and material type. They will invoice DUG
- Someone must be present at the garden to receive the order
Crusher fines (aka breeze) are used to create smooth, accessible garden paths.
Materials are measured in tons and should be compacted at 3″-4” deep for stability and accessibility.
Ordering Straw
Straw is used to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature in garden beds.
Woodchips are used in garden pathways and around perennial plants to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and improve soil as they decompose. Dyed woodchips are not allowed in DUG gardens.
Wardle Feed and Pet Supply
- Request the organic straw option
- Call (303) 424-6455 to place order. All orders must be picked up.
Chip Drop
- Visit chipdrop.com to request a delivery.
- Specify drop location and note that it is for a DUG community garden.
- Deliveries are not guaranteed nor scheduled—they occur when a tree crew has available chips in the area. No one needs to be onsite, but a clearly marked drop zone is required.
Your Local Arborist
- Google arborists in your area. They typically service specific areas
- Many arborists will donate woodchips for free!
Order a Roll Off Dumpster
Dumpsters.com
- Contact DUG’s Account Manager, Alex Hord, at [email protected] or (216) 260-2294
- Confirm dumpster size, drop-off location, and pickup window
- Someone may need to be present at delivery depending on location
Roll off dumpsters are ideal for large cleanups involving debris that cannot be easily composted or recycled, such as lumber, plastic waste, or general trash.
Borrow Tools
To borrow tools for your garden, be prepared to share your name and contact information, the name of your garden, and additional mandatory information.
Tool Bank
- Tools can be borrowed for as long as you want as the system allows for check out for 16 months – extensions available
- Tools can break but MUST be returned broken. If they are returned broken, then there isn’t a charge associated with it. If they aren’t returned at all, then they will need to be replaced or paid for
- Tools that are stolen may need to be replaced by the garden so please store them safely. If tools are stolen provide a copy of the police report and ToolBank will see if they can get a replacement from their sponsors.
- There is an ordinance about using loud equipment in certain Denver areas, so please proceed with caution
- Tools from the ToolBank are blue
Steps to Borrow Tools:
- Go to ToolBank.org
- Click “Borrow Tools” then “First Time Borrowers
- Go to HUB locations and choose #6 Denver
- Fill out the online membership application, DUG [Garden Name], fill out everything that is mandatory
- This form goes to headquarters and is approved, and then once its approved, you can go to the same page
- Go to “members agency login” – you will have received an email to choose your own password.
- In inventory, you’ll only be able to see what is available in that moment
- If you need a tool and can’t find it, you can ask and be notified when it will be available to check back in
Pick up your tools from ToolBank (11701 E 33rd Avenue)
- In google maps its the Salvation Army Emergency Services Center
Garden Waste Pickup
We partner with companies who pick up bagged garden waste (in 30-gallon yard waste bags like these) and take them to get composted. Contact the vendors directly to arrange a pickup and tell them you are a DUG garden. They will bill DUG directly, and we will deduct it from your garden funds.
Scraps
- Pickup Area: All DUG gardens
- $100 flat fee for up to 25 bags
Contact [email protected] to arrange pickup
Wompost / Compost Colorado (CoCo)
New rates coming soon!
Donate Your Extra Produce
Learn more about how you can donate extra produce or create a donation plot at your community garden through our partnership with Fresh Food Connect.
Helpful Resources:
Download the App:
Download the Fresh Food Connect app and make an account for your garden! Local food utilities can identify surplus produce from urban farms and community gardeners and coordinate pick-ups through the app. The platform makes it easier for food utilities to source local organic produce and for gardeners to connect their extra harvest to local families in need.
DIY Resources
How to Build a Raised Bed
How to Build a Raised Bed
Read More
How to Edge a Garden Plot with Wood
How to Edge a Garden Plot with Wood
Read More
How to Resurface Garden Pathways
How to Resurface Garden Pathways
Read More
How to Build a Hoop House
How to Build a Hoop House
Read More
Constructing a Hoop House for Season Extension
Constructing a Hoop House for Season Extension
Read MoreResources for
Unhoused Neighbors
Have any resources we should include? Email us at [email protected] with the Subject Line “Resources for Unhoused Neighbors” and we’ll add it here.
Emergency Responses
National
Trans Lifeline
- Phone Number: 877-565-8860
- Oprime 2 para hablar con uno/a operador/a en español
- 24/7 hotline
- National hotline run by trans people for trans people in crisis
- “Connects trans people to the community support and resources we need to survive and thrive.”
Denver Only
Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) Program
- Phone Number: 720-913-STAR (7827)
- 7 days a week, 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- STAR “deploys Emergency Response Teams that include Emergency Medical Technicians and Behavioral Health Clinicians to engage individuals experiencing distress related to mental health issues, poverty, homelessness, and substance abuse.”
- 2022 Mid-Year Report
Denver Health’s Mobile Crisis Service:
- Phone Number: 844-493-8255, text “Talk” to 38255
- 24/7 service
- Provides mental health support to residents of the city and county of Denver and to the Mental Health Center of Denver clients during/after a crisis.
- Visit their Website
Outreach, Education, and Testing
Denver Only
Harm Reduction Action Center
- Office at 112 E. 8th Ave. provides syringe access to participants Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 12:00pm
- Phone Number: 303-572-7800
- Health education, street outreach, presentations, meetings, and administrative time happen each afternoon.
- “The Harm Reduction Action Center promotes public health by ensuring that people who inject drugs are educated and equipped with the tools to reduce the spread of communicable diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C and to eliminate the proliferation of fatal overdoses.”
- Services Include: Syringe Disposal (including in your garden spaces!), Naloxone and Narcan, STI Testing, Fentanyl Testing, Hygiene Products, Food Access, Safe Community Space, Referrals
- Visit their Website
LifePoint Needle Exchange, Vivent Health
- Office open for general services Monday – Friday from 8:30am – 5:00pm
- Request an appointment here
- Phone Number: 720-385-6898 (call or text)
- General Services Include: Behavioral & Mental Healthcare, Case Management, Pharmacy, Housing Services, Food Pantry, Dental Care, Medical Care, PrEP, HIV Testing, STI Testing, Lifepoint Needle Exchange, HCV Testing, HIV/HCV Education, Overdose Prevention & Naloxone
HeyDenver
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 4:00pm
- Phone Number: 303-962-2880
- Free, queer-centered, safe, and confidential STI & HIV testing for under/uninsured folks
- Safer substance/harm reduction tools
- Visit their Website
Jefferson County Only
Points West Syringe Services Program
- Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
- Phone Number: (303) 239-7078
- Harm reduction program committed to reducing the potential harms associated with drug use in a respectful, non-judgmental and compassionate environment.
- Safer substance/harm reduction tools including syringes, naloxone, fentanyl test trips, safer sex tools, everyday hygiene items, and more.
- Visit their Website
Food
Denver Only
Denver Community Fridges
- Locations Here
- For free, 24/7 access to refrigerated, frozen, and pantry goods, as supplies last.
Feeding Denver’s Hungry
- Visit their Website
- For free groceries multiple days a week
Metro Caring, Fresh Foods Market
- Visit their Website
- For free groceries multiple days a week
SAME Cafe
- Visit their Website
- For hot meals
Mutual Aid Monday
- Hours: Monday Nights, 4 – 7pm
- Location: 14th and Bannock
- For hot meals and mutual aid supplies
- Visit their Website
Food Not Bombs
- Sunday afternoons, 3pm (usually at 22nd and Stout, location changes. See @denverfoodnotbombs on Instagram for changing details)
- For hot meals
Front Range
Kaizen Food Rescue Community Pop-Up Food Share
- Calendar Here
- For free groceries multiple days a week
Food Bank of the Rockies
- Pantry Locator Here
- For free groceries multiple days a week
Shelter
Aurora Only
Comitis Crisis Center Emergency Housing
- Phone Number: (720) 505-2628
Emergency Cooling Stations in Aurora
Denver Only
Samaritan House (Women, Families, and Veterans)
- Phone Numbers:
- Samaritan House Downtown (Women 18+): (303) 294-0241
- Samaritan House 48th (Women 18+): (720) 799-9506
- Samaritan House Downtown Extended Stay (Single Women, Families, Veterans): (720) 799-9371
- Visit their Website
- Flyer
Dolores Project
Urban Peak (Youth)
Denver HOST Find Shelter tool
Cooling Stations at Denver Recreation Centers
Front Range
The Family Tree Homelessness Program Hotline
- Overview: Offers emergency shelter, an information help line, homeless prevention services, case management, education and employment services, and various other supportive services.
- Visit their Website
- Phone Number: (303) 467-2604
Apply for Safe Parking
History of Houselessness
Pipe Dreams and Picket Fences: Direction from Denver’s Houseless People on Housing Needs and Priorities in the Context of Today’s Public Housing (Housekeys Action Network Denver, 2023)
The Colorado State of Homelessness Report 2022 (Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, 2022)
Without Housing (Western Regional Advocacy Project, 2010)
Other Resources
Living in a Vehicle (Colorado Safe Parking)
- Visit Website
- Resources include free food, overnight shelters, day shelters, severe weather shelters, RV/Camping resources
Mile High United Way
- Visit Website
- Call 2-1-1
Denver Alternatives to 911 Sheet
Locating Housing Resource
Connect a Veteran to Housing
FindHelp
Resources for Disabled Gardeners
Have any resources we should include? Email us at [email protected] with the Subject Line “Resources for Disabled Gardeners” and we’ll add it here.
