Grow a Garden– seeds, seedlings & know-how

DUG’s Grow a Garden is a food access program that connects individuals, families, seniors and groups to the necessary seeds, seedlings and education to grow a thriving vegetable garden, thereby improving local food security for program participants.

***Important update regarding seedling pick-up for all

Grow-a-Garden participants***

Plants will still be available at contactless drive-thru pick-up sites throughout the Denver area. We are still in the process of locating these sites but will let you know via email when we have them confirmed, where you should go to pick-up your seedlings, and the new safety process for pickup. 

Seedlings will likely be available for pick up at an all day event on Tuesday, May 12th, but please check your inbox for details in the coming weeks.

Also: If you were unable to pick up your seed packets at your original distribution center, we may be able to connect you to them at your seedling pickup site. 15 of our 17 distribution sites remain closed, however, DUG staff was able to pick up seed orders from the following locations: 

  • DUG
  • Metro Caring
  • Aurora Public Library
  • Wheat Ridge Library
  • Asian Pacific Development Center
  • The GrowHaus
  • Montbello Branch Library
  • Cook Park Rec Center

We will be in touch soon with more information! 

Registration for the 2020 Grow a Garden has closed! If you’d like to sign up to receive an email when registration opens for 2021, you can do so here!

Para ver la información del programa en español, hage clic aquí.

How does it work?

  • Participants apply to the program using an online application during the January application period. Participants may also go to a distribution center to fill out the online application if they need computer or Internet access or additional assistance. You can find a list and map of our distribution centers here.
  • Individuals and families select up to 10 seed packets and 5 two-packs of seedlings and can attend a gardening workshop. Groups can select up to 20 seed packets and 18 two-packs of seedlings and can attend a gardening workshop. Click here to learn more about the seeds, seedlings and learning opportunities available through this program.
  • Individuals, families and groups will receive their seeds and seedlings and have the options of attending a workshop at the distribution center of their choice. Seeds are available for pick-up in March and seedlings in May. Distribution centers will host a gardening workshop during seed distribution for participants to attend. Additionally, DUG offers a series of gardening workshops throughout the year at no additional cost to Grow a Garden participants.

Who can participate?

This is an income-qualifying program for individuals and families and home and community gardeners alike. Those who live in Denver Metro and have a household income of less than 80% of median income qualify. Income limits are listed below. We are able to accept one application per household. The program fee for individuals and families is $5, and the fee can be waived upon request.

*New in 2020* If your income is above the listed limits, we invite you to participate in the program at the Grow a Garden Member Level of $60 (a $240 value). When you become a member, you become a part of the dynamic community that is helping to transform food access in the Denver Metro Area.

Your benefits include:

  • Up to 10 seed packets
  • Up to five two-packs of seedlings
  • Full access to our Urban Roots Garden Education workshops throughout the year (excluding materials)
  • Early Access to our Spring Plant Sale Preview on Thursday, May 7th, 2020

Group applications are for those applying on behalf of groups such as schools, classrooms, educational, human service or faith-based organizations and community garden donation plots. The intention of group applications is to serve groups that would not otherwise have access to seeds, seedlings and education needed for their gardening projects. Groups in the Denver Metro area are eligible to apply. The program fee for groups is $15.

How do I participate?

The application deadline to join the 2020 program was January 31st. Due to the nature of the program, we are unable to accommodate applications after this deadline.

Thank you to our donors!