Community Gardens

Welcome to our Community Gardens!

Connections Church provides a unique ministry to the Highlands Ranch community through an On-Campus Community Garden Ministry.

The Community Gardens consist of raised bed boxes, each 4’ by 8’, with its own irrigation drip system. They contain all organic soil and are the perfect place to grow produce with full sun all day long.

Questions? Please email gardens@myconnections.church for more information.

If you are ready to register for your garden box jump over to our online sign up! Cost is $50 for the season. Box assignments will be posted May 1.

Farm to Table Project

The Farm to Table Project is an extension of the Community Gardens where we keep a few garden plots set aside for growing food to give back to our community. Volunteers are always welcome for those who would like to garden but not have the commitment of an individual box.

Willing to help out? Email gardens@myconnections.church to:

- - Join the Farm to Table team, either with tending to the boxes throughout the week or taking a turn or 2 on Sundays, mid July – Mid September, to distribute produce to our church attenders.
  - Help plan the Kickoff, or one of our other events, like the Chef Challenge.
  - Help in the weekly communication to gardeners via email.

Gardening Events

Our Kick-off is planned for Saturday, May 7, 1:00 – 2:30 pm.

It’s an important time to go over the agreement, understand the irrigation system, get some gardening advice and hopefully pick up some free seeds. Some of you may even start working in your box!

Garden Kick-Off 2022

Message from Pastor George, Purpose for the Garden Ministry

The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the Lord. – Psalm 24:1

In the beginning God created a garden and called us to be stewards. We are responsible to cultivate the creation in such a way that God is glorified, neighbors are blessed, and the world itself is honored as God’s handiwork. And as stewards we will one day give account. We hope our Lord will look at what we’ve done and say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

In light of this high calling to creation care, I can think of no better ministry of our church that embodies the fullness of our mission- to connect with God, one another and our world.

Our community gardens give us the opportunity first to connect with the world- the literal dirt of creation to cultivate and bear good fruit. And we pray that you will truly enjoy the fruits of your labors and bear crops of delicious, nutritious and ecologically sound foods.

But right there in the name is another part of our mission- community. We pray that this garden will simultaneously cultivate new and deeper relationships with one another. Talk with your “plot” neighbors, share information, and even share in the harvest and gather together for our feasts!

And lastly we believe that all of life is worship, not just one hour Sunday morning in a sanctuary. We pray that your gardening is an act of worship of God, recognizing the Creator, embracing your role as a steward, and understanding how you bear His image.

It’s a rather lofty vision for a couple of raised boxes of dirt. But my friends and fellows stewards, never doubt that big things come from small beginnings. A great tree grows from a tiny seed. Now may you cultivate a garden that brings glory to God, grows a community of neighbors, and bears abundant fruits.

Gardening Resource Links

Guide to Starting a Garden – Grow Local Colorado
Vegetable Gardening in Small Spaces – The Spruce
Colorado Vegetable Planting Calendar – Urban Farmer
Best Garden Vegetables for Colorado – Hunker
Growing an Edible Garden in Colorado – Timberline Landscaping
Planning a Vegetable Garden – Colorado State University
Vegetables Seeds or Seedlings? – The Spruce
10 Biggest Vegetables Gardening Mistakes – The Spruce
Organic Soil Amendments – Colorado State University
Organic vs. Manufactured Fertilizers – Colorado State University
Vegetable Gardening – Nitrogen Recommendations – Colorado State University
Insect Controls: Soaps and Detergents – Colorado State University
Insect Control: Horticulture Oils – Colorado State University