Q: How do I become a garden host, and what are the commitment requirements?
A: If you’re interested in hosting a Jovial Garden, you’ll fill out a form and agree to a roughly two-year commitment. Hosts are asked to spend about 10 minutes a day in their garden and, if needed, and either contribute financially (around $39/month) or volunteer roughly 24 hours per year by helping at Weaver Creek Park on Saturdays or with other Jovial Concepts activities to support the broader program.
Q: What if I don’t have gardening experience?
A: No problem. Jovial Gardens is designed to teach hosts and volunteers everything they need to know. Garden Hosts are expected to participate most Saturdays when garden leaders stop by to provide education through the end of the contract period. From soil health to seasonal planting, staff and volunteers provide hands-on education, so you’ll learn as you go.
Q: What benefits do garden hosts receive from their Jovial Garden?
A: Hosts gain regular access to fresh, organic produce—usually one mixed box of produce per month—and are welcome to snack directly from the garden whenever they’d like. They also gain useful knowledge on how to grow and harvest their garden so they can become self-sufficient in the future.
Q: What support and resources does Jovial Concepts provide for new gardens?
A: Jovial Concepts builds the garden bed, provides seeds and seedlings each spring, installs drip irrigation, offers gardening classes, and invites hosts to community potlucks. Over the course of the program, you will learn how to properly add garden amendments and fertilizer, the difference between cold hardy and warm season vegetables, when/how to plant in the spring as well as techniques like trench planting for tomatoes, the basics in pest and plant disease identification, succession planting, irrigation maintenance, and how to do a thorough fall cleanup.
Q: Am I expected to allow community or youth groups to visit my garden?
A: Yes. By hosting a garden, you’ll sometimes welcome youth groups or volunteers to participate in garden-based learning opportunities. This helps build community awareness and sustainability education. This will not be done without notifying you and will occur at a regularly scheduled time.
Q: What happens if there are issues with pests, irrigation, or damage to the garden?
A: Hosts agree to monitor their garden daily and notify Jovial Gardens of any concerns—such as pests, irrigation issues, or damage—to help maintain the health and organic integrity of the produce. Jovial strongly emphasizes no use of chemical sprays or herbicides.
Q: Can I choose what crops are planted in my garden?
A: Yes. We work with you to plan a garden that fits your needs. While we focus on Colorado-friendly produce—like tomatoes, kale, squash, beans, and herbs—we’ll also include crops that your family enjoys and will use in the kitchen. Our philosophy is that this is your garden and we’re here to help get things started, empower you to maintain your garden, and provide gardening education.
Q: How is the extra produce from my garden used?
A: Any surplus food is donated to local food banks and community events which target hunger in our community. By hosting, you’re not just growing food for yourself—you’re helping feed families in need.
Q: What happens during the winter months?
A: Winter in Colorado can be tough for gardening, but we use the off-season to prepare soil, plan crops, and host workshops. Some gardens also grow cold-weather crops like garlic, spinach, and hardy greens.
Q: Can kids and families get involved in maintaining the garden?
A: Absolutely. We encourage families, especially children, to take part. It’s a fun way to teach kids about healthy food, sustainability, and the science of growing in Colorado’s unique climate.
