Denver Urban Gardens’ education programming has been supporting urban gardeners across metro Denver for more than twenty years. Our programs are founded upon a deep respect for all people and their traditions, organic practices that regenerate the earth, and activating knowledge in diverse ways.
We believe that there is no one right way to garden, compost, or practice sustainability, and our classes and workshops are designed to honor the wisdom that we all carry. It is our goal for all our participants to connect with community, listen and learn from one another, and engage with the ideas and pass them on.
Our programming also reflects our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Most workshops are offered at a pay-what-you-can, sliding scale. Workshops include a suggested program fee which supports the true cost of materials, space rental, and instructor compensation.
Additionally, while our workshops are taught in English, live interpretation in other languages is available upon request in the registration form. All our printed materials are available in both English and Spanish, with other language resources additionally available upon request.
Persons under the age of 18 are welcome to all DUG programming, under adult (18+) supervision.
Community Education
Grow with DUG by signing up for a workshop (or series) and deepened your knowledge. We offer educational workshops year-round to support your gardening journey from start to finish. Workshop series include student-favorite Organic Gardening and our newest offering, Preservation Series.
Explore Workshop Calendar
Private Group Workshops
Explore 60-minute workshop offerings for your community group, organization, or business. Offered on a sliding scale.
Family Friendly Workshops
We offer intergenerational classes designed to spark learning and fun for everyone, from toddlers to grandparents!
Explore our Workshop Series
Organic Gardening
DUG’s organic gardening classes offer a well-rounded introduction to growing in Denver’s high-desert climate. Designed to be accessible for beginners while offering insights that experienced gardeners will also find valuable, the series covers topics like soil health, seed starting, planting, harvesting, and preparing your garden for seasonal transitions. With a focus on practical skills and sustainable techniques, these classes support organic gardeners in an urban environment.
Therapeutic Gardening
DUG’s Therapeutic Gardening series explores the powerful connection between nature, gardening, and mental wellness. Our sensory-focused classes will dive into the research on how spending time in the garden can reduce stress, improve mood, and foster a sense of purpose and belonging while providing practical tools, ideas, and design strategies for adding sensory and medicinal plants into your environment.
Composting
Composting offers numerous benefits for both the environment and your garden. DUG’s composting series focuses on how composting improves soil structure, enhances nutrient availability, and supports healthy plant growth. By recycling organic waste, you reduce landfill contributions, cut down on methane emissions, and create rich, fertile soil that retains moisture and supports diverse plant life. Come learn how to build sustainable, nutrient-dense soil right at home through methods like backyard composting, vermicomposting with worms, and using compost tea.
Preservation
Preserve the bounty of your garden and savor its flavors all year long! DUG’s preservation classes guide you through the essential techniques of canning, fermenting, and pickling, helping you safely extend the life of your harvest as you the proper methods for preserving produce, ensuring you can enjoy your homegrown fruits and vegetables long after the growing season ends. Whether you’re new to preserving or looking to refine your skills, these workshops provide the knowledge and confidence to keep the taste of summer on your table year-round.
Urban Herbalism
Learn to identify the medicinal plants growing in your neighborhood and explore their therapeutic uses in everyday life. From crafting tinctures and teas to creating natural remedies for common ailments, you’ll gain practical knowledge on how to harvest and use plants safely, unlocking the potential of nature to support your health and well-being. Whether you’re new to herbal medicine or looking to deepen your knowledge, our urban herbalism series provides a hands-on way to explore plant-based healing in the urban environment.
Fruit Tree Basics
Designed for urban gardeners, this series provides an introduction to caring for fruit trees suited to Colorado’s climate. Topics include planting, pruning, and long-term maintenance, with a focus on supporting biodiversity and sustainable food production.
Growing Mushrooms
DUG’s Growing Mushroom series introduces gardeners to the basics of cultivating edible mushrooms both indoors and outdoors. Learn about the materials needed, successful strategies, and common troubleshooting tips for growing mushrooms in your own home. Focused on growing nutrient-rich and protein-packed mushrooms year-round, this class is perfect for gardeners looking to add an additional sustainable food source to their gardens and homes.
Sustainability
There are so many ways to take meaningful climate action while living in an urban environment. Learn ways to engage and interact with nature while both conserving and utilizing natural resources, growing food and preserving your harvest, and improving your practical DIY skills.
Youth Programs
DUG connects young learners to the intersections of food, community, and climate through exploration, play, and learning. We offer a variety of ways to engage youth with DUG through our school-based gardens, engaging classes and community partners.
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Book a Class with DUG
We offer various workshops for ECE-5th grade learners to engage their curiosity and exploration of the world. Current workshops include:
- Soil Superheroes: Hands-on with Red Wiggler Worms
- Seeds of Wonder: Seasonal Planting Experience
- Peck, Scratch and Squawk: Everyday Use of Chickens in the Garden
- Intro To The Garden: Outdoor Garden Exploration and Planting
- The Four Seasons Sensory and Wellness Nature Practices
