Planting begins

Mid-May is the time of year folks along the Front Range in Colorado begin putting seeds and plants in the ground. Our average last frost date is May 15. But this year, as Colorado slowly comes out of COVID-19 Stay-at-Home guidelines, getting started has been challenging. Accessing garden shops and nurseries and figuring out how to safely purchase vegetable “starts” and seeds and fertilizer has been a big concern.

But after being cooped inside all spring due to COVID-19 restrictions, more than ever – gardening is HOT! Shops have been selling out of supplies in record fashion.

For the Bear Creek Community Gardeners, how to maintain the idea of “community” in a community garden while social distancing is the challenge. The volunteers have done some creative planning to keep everyone safe while opening up. All 104 plots are sold and gardeners are eager to get planting. There’s still a waiting list.

New gardener training is online via Zoom and rules strengthening how to enter, garden, and exit are in place. Masks are required and social distancing rules are in place. But the ground is as dry as dust. Beginning anew will not be easy.