After a cold, wet Colorado spring, now is a great time for backyard gardeners across the state to plant and tend to vegetables. Now through June 14, 2021, Colorado State University is offering a free online course on vegetable gardening.
Normally $40 to register, the course is temporarily discounted to encourage participation in Grow & Give, a project of the Colorado Master Gardener Program through CSU Extension.
Completing the self-paced vegetable course will teach you:
- Considerations for garden planning and planting times
- Best practices for raised garden bed design
- Proper soil preparation and fertilization for your vegetable garden
- Routine garden care including mulching, irrigation, and water conservation
- Proper routine care for tomatoes
- Hints and tricks for growing other vegetables
- How to identify frost protection tactics and microclimate modifications
Grow & Give sprouted in Spring 2020 in response to skyrocketing food needs among people coping with unemployment and other hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project is modeled on backyard victory gardens that boosted food supplies and morale during the bleak years of World War I and World War II.
Last year, nearly 600 volunteer gardeners grew and donated more than 47,000 pounds of produce to 25 Colorado counties. The fresh fruits and vegetables went to food banks, pantries, homeless shelters, and other nonprofits for distribution to individuals and families facing hunger and food shortages.
No prior gardening experience is required to register for the course or to volunteer for Grow & Give. The price for the course increases on Tuesday, June 15th. Register for the free vegetables course here.
About CSU Extension
CSU Extension empowers Coloradans to address important and emerging community needs using dynamic, science-based educational resources. For over 100 years, CSU Extension has helped people in Colorado find the answers they need for a healthy home life, successful business, and thriving community. We bring the University’s research-based resources to local communities across the state.
About the Colorado Master Gardener Program
Colorado Master Gardeners enhance Colorado communities through outreach, education, and environmental stewardship. Powered by CSU Extension, the Master Gardener Program enhances Coloradans’ quality of life by extending science-based education to local communities, helping individuals make informed decisions about plants, and fostering successful gardeners while protecting neighborhood environments.
About CSU Professional Education
CSU Professional Education builds personal and professional development programs with the intention of delivering a lifelong, positive impact. Our mission is to serve people from all walks of life, so everyone benefits and has the opportunity to take that next step in their career or personal growth. CSU Professional Education is committed to providing a variety of high-quality courses in online and in-person formats. We partner with industry experts and CSU faculty to build our programs, ensuring our students receive research-based, relevant instruction. Explore additional programs with CSU Online.
