The Community Gardens: Can ya dig it?

Published Aug. 15, 2017
By Robb Lingley
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Looking to grow your own vegetables, herbs, fruit and even flowers? If so, then the Community Gardens at Peak View Park on Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado is the place for you!

The Community Gardens offers 20 garden plots, each at a manageable size of 4 x 8 feet, to grow your own produce. Originally 10 plots, The Community Gardens expanded to 20 based on popular demand from Peterson Air Force Base green thumbs.

A water source is located on site for easy watering and garden tools are also available. High quality garden soil is trucked in from offsite offering gardeners a dependable head start, said Les Stewart, 21st Force Support Squadron special programs director.

“Everything out here is free,” said Stewart. “Each individual gardener provides the seeds and care for their plot.”

Plot reservations start in February and last through the year. Water is provided until winter strikes and has to be shut down so pipes don’t freeze. The winter plots are cleaned out and covered with plastic bags to prevent bugs, snakes and critters from burrowing in the dirt.

“One of the common errors for beginning gardeners is planting too much too soon and way more than anyone could eat or want,” said Stewart. “Most of all, buy high-quality seeds because they will produce a higher quality produce at harvest time.”

Vegetables need at least six hours of sunlight per day, and the more sunlight they receive, the greater the harvest will be in both quantity and quality, said Stewart. He also noted that gardeners should ensure that there is proper drainage so that water doesn’t collect on top or drain away too quickly.

“Space your crops accordingly because plants set to close together compete for sunlight, water, and nutrition and fail to mature,” said Stewart.

Vegetables that typically yield more than one crop per season are beans, beets, carrots, cabbage, lettuce, radishes, spinach and turnip.

Garden plots are available to eligible users of Peterson AFB and are accessible 24/7. For more information and to reserve your garden plot call 719-556-2767.