PPUG - Community Gardens

PPUG

Pikes Peak Urban Gardens

"Creating Places Where People Meet to Grow"

Pikes Peak Urban Gardens is a
proud program of the Pikes Peak Community Foundation

Our mission is to:

"cultivate, educate, and serve the community through
urban garden projects in the Pikes Peak region".

PPUG
c/o PPCF
730 N. Nevada Ave
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
ph: 719-651-3416
larry@ppugardens.org

Community Gardens

Want to Start A Neighborhood Community Garden?

Here are some helpful tips:

Find some land that you can use that also has an adequate water supply.

It must also receive at least 8 hours of sun a day.

The size of the land can vary but remember each gardening family could easily plant and maintain a 20 ft by 20 ft plot.

Most community gardens are at least 40 ft by 40 ft. If you don't have enough land sometimes local schools, churches or businesses might let you use their land.

Next get commitments from a few families that want to be active participants.

Most importantly there must be a garden leader. Someone needs to step up and be in charge.

If you need further advice or assistance after all the concerns are discussed, please e-mail us at: info@ppugardens.org

Each year PPUG receives funding to assist up to three communities with their efforts to start a community garden.

Selected projects receive the following support:
- On-site biweekly visitations, consultation and planning sessions from early spring until early fall will be conducted.
- Consultation to assist in purchasing garden supplies to get your garden ready for planting.
- You will receive advice in selecting the right varieties of vegetables that grow well in the Pikes Peak region.Your group will receive many free seed packets and the opportunity to save by bundling your order through PPUG for bulk prices.
- Each group will receive the DVD, “A Guide to Growing Vegetables in the Pikes Peak Region”. This step-by-step video will lead the gardener through the seasons. Other educational materials and e-mail quick response to your questions will be provided.
- Visits to other local community or demonstration gardens will be scheduled.
- Tips and suggestions on soil preparation, raised beds, season extending methods, organic pest control, composting and vegetable varieties that thrive in the Pikes Peak area will be shared.
- Additional class offerings on how to prepare delicious meals from your harvest are available for a small fee. Please contact us for more specific details.
Our Community and Garden Projects
                      2010-Present

Dorchester Park
BEFORE

Dorchester Park is located on S. Nevada Ave. near I-25 and has been an under-used park. PPUG manages the garden. Springs Rescue Mission and Greccio Housing are gardening and harvesting vegetables from their plots. Funds were provided by the Colorado Home and Garden Show, Forest Edge Gardens (owned and operated by Laura and Tim Spears) and numerous small donations.

Dorchester Park
Today

Vermijo Community Garden
Before


Vermijo Community Garden
Today

Vermijo Park is located on Vermijo Ave and 26th street in Old Colorado City. This north part of the park was not used by the public. PPUG with funds from the Colorado Home and Garden Show (administered through Care and Share) developed this parcel into a true community garden. Their are now 17 families raising vegetables on their 400 sq ft plots.
West Side Community Garden
Before

West Side Community Garden
Today

This garden is located at the old Buena Vista Elementary School at 17th and Bijou in Old Colorado City. The school is now a community center featuring this 72 plot garden. Many of the raised beds were designed to be used by the handicapped and elderly.
Harrison Urban Gardens
before
Harrison Urban Gardens
Today

Harrison Urban Gardens (HUG) is located on land adjacent to the west of the Harrison School District #2 Administration Complex. A partnership with LiveWell Colorado Springs, D#2 and many others has provided gardening plots for over 30 families, an urban garden with food for Care and Share, an off-the-grid growing dome greenhouse and a planned outdoor kitchen for the community.

Galileo Greenhouse Project
Before

Galileo Greenhouse Project
Today



Located at the Galileo School of Math and Science, this 42 ft diameter "Growing Spaces" biodome, off-the-grid greenhouse is presently growing a variety of salad greens and veggies for the student lunch program in Colorado Springs School District Eleven. PPUG is the managing partner and in late summer of 2012 trained the food service staff to take over the operation. PPUG reamains an advisor to this great project.
Mill Street Community Garden
Before

Mill Street Community Garden
Today


Mill Street Community Garden, located at 1013 S. Cascade Ave, in Colorado Springs was completed in November, 2012. Over 60 community members showed up to build 125 raised beds in just one Saturday morning. The garden is close being sold out and the 2013 season has not yet begun!

If you are interested in renting a plot at any of our gardens or learning more about community gardens please e-mail us at: info@ppugardens.org
Our Community Garden Projects 2008-2009