How to Explore Urban Farming at the GrowHaus Denver

Urban farming is more than a trend—it’s a vital movement reshaping how cities access fresh food, build community resilience, and reconnect with the land. Nowhere is this more evident than at The GrowHaus in Denver, Colorado, a pioneering nonprofit urban farm and food education center that has transformed a former auto garage into a thriving hub of sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and social equity. For residents, visitors, and sustainability enthusiasts, exploring urban farming at The GrowHaus offers a hands-on window into the future of food systems. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step exploration of how to engage with The GrowHaus, understand its mission, and apply its principles to your own urban environment. Whether you’re a local Denverite, a tourist interested in sustainable living, or an aspiring urban farmer, this tutorial equips you with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to make the most of your visit—and beyond.

Step-by-Step Guide

Exploring urban farming at The GrowHaus is not a passive experience. It’s an immersive journey that blends education, participation, and community engagement. Follow these steps to fully engage with the space and its mission.

Step 1: Plan Your Visit

Before arriving, research The GrowHaus’s current operating hours and seasonal programming. Located in the Elyria-Swansea neighborhood of Denver, The GrowHaus is open to the public on specific days for tours, markets, and workshops. Check their official website for the most up-to-date schedule. Weekday hours are typically limited to program participants, while weekends often feature open markets and guided tours. Plan your visit on a Saturday or Sunday to maximize accessibility.

Consider the season. Spring and summer offer the most active growing cycles, with abundant produce, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. Fall brings harvest festivals and seed-saving events, while winter focuses on indoor hydroponic systems and educational seminars. Timing your visit to align with a special event—such as the annual “Harvest Festival” or “Farm-to-Table Dinner”—enhances the experience significantly.

Step 2: Arrive with an Open Mind

As you enter The GrowHaus, you’ll notice its industrial roots transformed into a lush, green oasis. The building’s exposed brick walls, metal beams, and large windows contrast beautifully with rows of leafy greens, towering tomatoes, and hanging herb gardens. Take a moment to absorb the space. Notice the signage explaining crop rotations, the compost bins, and the rainwater collection system. This is not just a farm—it’s a living classroom.

Approach staff and volunteers with curiosity. They are deeply knowledgeable and eager to share their experiences. Ask questions like: “What crops are thriving this season?” or “How do you manage pests without chemicals?” The answers will reveal the thoughtful design behind every element of the operation.

Step 3: Take a Guided Tour

Guided tours are the best way to understand the full scope of The GrowHaus’s operations. These 45–60 minute walks are led by trained educators who explain the farm’s three core pillars: food access, education, and economic opportunity.

During the tour, you’ll see:

• Hydroponic and aquaponic systems—growing lettuce, kale, and herbs without soil, using nutrient-rich water circulated from fish tanks.
• Vertical farming walls—maximizing space in a compact urban setting by growing upwards.
• Composting stations—where food waste from local restaurants and households is turned into fertile soil.
• Greenhouse and high-tunnel structures—extending the growing season and protecting crops from Denver’s unpredictable weather.
• The market stand—where fresh produce is sold on a sliding-scale basis to ensure affordability for all income levels.

Each stop on the tour includes a brief explanation of the ecological and social impact. For example, the aquaponic system not only produces food but also teaches youth participants about biology, chemistry, and systems thinking.

Step 4: Participate in a Workshop

The GrowHaus offers over 50 workshops annually, ranging from beginner-friendly classes to advanced skill-building sessions. These are often free or low-cost and open to all residents, regardless of background or experience.

Popular workshops include:

• “Start Your Own Urban Garden”—a hands-on session covering container gardening, soil selection, and native plant choices for Denver’s climate zone.
• “Preserving the Harvest”—learning to can, ferment, and dry vegetables using traditional and modern methods.
• “Cooking with Seasonal Produce”—led by local chefs, this class turns farm-fresh ingredients into delicious, nutritious meals.
• “Soil Health and Composting”—a deep dive into microbial life, carbon-nitrogen ratios, and building healthy dirt from scratch.

Registration is required for most workshops. Sign up online or in person at the front desk. Many workshops include take-home materials—like seed packets, compost starters, or recipe cards—to help you continue learning after you leave.

Step 5: Volunteer

Volunteering is one of the most meaningful ways to connect with The GrowHaus. No prior experience is needed. Volunteers assist with planting, harvesting, weeding, building raised beds, or helping at the market stand. Shifts typically last 2–4 hours and occur on weekday mornings or Saturday afternoons.

Volunteers often report that the experience is transformative—not just for the farm, but for their personal understanding of food justice. Many return weekly, forming lasting relationships with staff and other volunteers. To join, visit the website’s “Volunteer” page, fill out a short form, and attend an orientation session.

Step 6: Shop at the Market

The GrowHaus operates a weekly farmers market that serves as both a sales outlet and a community gathering space. Unlike conventional markets, The GrowHaus uses a “pay-what-you-can” model, ensuring that no one is turned away due to financial hardship.

Items available include:

• Organic vegetables (kale, chard, carrots, peppers, cucumbers)
• Herbs (basil, cilantro, mint, oregano)
• Edible flowers and microgreens
• Locally made jams, pickles, and baked goods
• Free nutrition education materials

Shoppers are encouraged to engage with the growers. Ask how the produce was grown, what challenges were faced, and what recipes they recommend. This personal connection transforms food from a commodity into a story.

Step 7: Join a Community Program

The GrowHaus runs several year-round community initiatives, many of which are free and open to Denver residents:

• Youth Farming Fellowship—a 12-week program for teens that combines job training, leadership development, and urban agriculture.
• Senior Garden Club—weekly gardening sessions designed for older adults, promoting mobility, mental health, and social connection.
• Food Access Program—provides free produce boxes to families enrolled in SNAP (food stamps) or facing food insecurity.
• Community Kitchen—a shared cooking space where residents prepare meals using farm-grown ingredients, often followed by group meals.

These programs are not just about food—they’re about dignity, empowerment, and equity. Participating in one, even as an observer, deepens your understanding of how urban farming addresses systemic issues.

Step 8: Document and Reflect

Bring a notebook or phone to record observations. What surprised you? What systems impressed you? Which crops seemed most resilient? Reflecting on your experience helps solidify learning and inspires future action.

Consider writing a short blog post, creating social media content, or sharing your insights with friends. The more people who understand the value of urban farming, the greater the collective impact.

Best Practices

Maximizing your experience at The GrowHaus—and applying its lessons elsewhere—requires intentionality. Below are best practices derived from years of operation and participant feedback.

Practice 1: Prioritize Soil Health

Even in urban settings, healthy soil is foundational. The GrowHaus uses compost-rich, no-till methods to build microbial diversity. When you return home, avoid synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Start a compost bin—even a small countertop model—and use the resulting compost to enrich container gardens or balcony planters.

Practice 2: Embrace Seasonality

At The GrowHaus, nothing is grown out of season unless absolutely necessary. This reduces energy use and supports local ecosystems. Learn what grows in your region during each season. In Denver, that means cool-season crops like spinach and peas in spring and fall, and heat-loving tomatoes and peppers in summer. Adjust your expectations and eating habits accordingly.

Practice 3: Conserve Water

Denver’s semi-arid climate demands water efficiency. The GrowHaus uses drip irrigation, mulching, and rainwater harvesting. At home, collect rainwater in barrels, group plants with similar water needs together, and water early in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Practice 4: Grow What You Eat

Don’t waste space on ornamental plants if your goal is food production. Focus on high-yield, nutrient-dense crops like kale, Swiss chard, beans, strawberries, and herbs. These provide the most nutritional return per square foot.

Practice 5: Build Community, Not Just Crops

Urban farming thrives on collaboration. The GrowHaus doesn’t operate in isolation—it partners with schools, churches, and local businesses. Invite neighbors to share seeds, swap harvests, or co-host a potluck. Community engagement turns a garden into a movement.

Practice 6: Educate Yourself Continuously

Urban farming is a science, an art, and a social practice. Read books like “The Urban Farmer” by Curtis Stone or “Gaia’s Garden” by Toby Hemenway. Watch documentaries such as “The Biggest Little Farm” or “Food, Inc.” Subscribe to newsletters from organizations like the American Community Gardening Association.

Practice 7: Advocate for Policy Change

Individual action matters, but systemic change requires policy. Support local initiatives that protect urban farmland, fund community gardens, or allow chickens and bees in residential zones. Attend city council meetings. Write letters to elected officials. The GrowHaus often partners with advocates on these efforts—join them.

Practice 8: Reduce Waste, Reuse Resources

The GrowHaus turns food scraps into compost, plastic pots into planters, and old pallets into raised beds. Apply this mindset at home. Repurpose containers for planting. Donate unused seeds to community groups. Avoid single-use gardening products.

Practice 9: Celebrate Failure as Learning

Not every seed sprouts. Not every tomato ripens. At The GrowHaus, setbacks are discussed openly as part of the learning process. Don’t be discouraged by pests, frost, or poor yields. Each failure teaches you something valuable. Keep trying.

Practice 10: Share Your Journey

Visibility inspires others. Post photos of your balcony garden. Host a neighborhood workshop. Talk to your kids about where food comes from. The more people who see urban farming as accessible and rewarding, the more it will spread.

Tools and Resources

To succeed in urban farming—whether inspired by The GrowHaus or not—you’ll need the right tools and trusted resources. Here’s a curated list of practical items and platforms to support your journey.

Essential Tools for Urban Gardeners

• Quality hand trowel and pruners—for planting and trimming in tight spaces.
• High-quality containers—use fabric grow bags, recycled buckets, or wooden planters with drainage holes.
• Organic potting mix—avoid cheap garden soil; it compacts and lacks nutrients.
• Drip irrigation kit—automates watering and conserves water.
• Compost bin—a countertop model for apartments or a larger outdoor tumbler.
• Seed starter trays and labels—essential for indoor germination in early spring.
• Soil pH tester—Denver soils vary widely; knowing your pH helps you choose the right plants.
• Thermometer and humidity monitor—helps manage microclimates on balconies or windowsills.

Recommended Books

• “The Urban Farmer” by Curtis Stone—a practical guide to profitable small-space farming.
• “Gaia’s Garden” by Toby Hemenway—introduces permaculture principles for urban settings.
• “How to Grow More Vegetables” by John Jeavons—the bible of biointensive gardening.
• “Fresh Food from Small Spaces” by R. J. Ruppenthal—ideal for apartment dwellers.

Online Resources

• The GrowHaus Website — www.thegrowhaus.org — schedules, workshops, volunteer sign-ups, and impact reports.
• Denver Urban Gardens — www.denverurbangardens.org — offers plots, training, and community support across the city.
• American Community Gardening Association (ACGA) — www.communitygardens.org — national directory of gardens and educational materials.
• PlantSnap — mobile app to identify plants, weeds, and flowers instantly.
• GrowIt! App — connect with local gardeners, share tips, and trade seeds.
• YouTube Channels — “Epic Gardening,” “The Rusted Garden,” and “Grow Your Own” offer free video tutorials.

Local Denver Resources

• Denver Botanic Gardens — hosts urban farming workshops and seasonal plant sales.
• Colorado State University Extension — provides free, science-based gardening advice tailored to Colorado’s climate zones.
• Denver Food Rescue — partners with The GrowHaus to redistribute surplus produce to food-insecure households.
• Denver Public Library — offers free gardening books, seed libraries, and monthly urban farming talks.

Free or Low-Cost Seed Sources

• Seed Libraries — Many Denver libraries maintain seed libraries where you can “borrow” seeds, grow them, and return new seeds at harvest.
• Seed Savers Exchange — offers heirloom and open-pollinated seeds for a small fee; promotes biodiversity.
• Local Swap Events — Check Facebook groups like “Denver Garden Swap” or “Colorado Urban Farmers” for free seed and plant exchanges.

Real Examples

Real-world stories illustrate the transformative power of urban farming at The GrowHaus. These are not abstract concepts—they are lives changed, communities strengthened, and food systems reimagined.

Example 1: Maria’s Journey from Food Insecurity to Farm Leader

Maria, a single mother of three in Elyria-Swansea, relied on convenience stores for groceries. She couldn’t afford fresh vegetables, and her children rarely ate salad. After attending a free “Cooking with Seasonal Produce” class at The GrowHaus, she began volunteering. Within six months, she was leading a weekly cooking circle for other mothers. Today, Maria grows kale and tomatoes on her apartment balcony and teaches children at her daughter’s school how to plant seeds. She now works part-time at The GrowHaus as a Community Outreach Coordinator.

Example 2: The Youth Farming Fellowship

Each summer, 15 Denver teens participate in The GrowHaus’s 12-week Youth Farming Fellowship. One participant, 16-year-old Jamal, had never touched soil before. He learned to build raised beds, track plant growth, and calculate yield per square foot. He also studied nutrition labels and compared them to the nutrient content of the vegetables he grew. By the end of the program, Jamal had started a school garden and presented his findings at a city council meeting. He’s now studying environmental science at the University of Colorado.

Example 3: The Aquaponics Classroom

Every Thursday, a local middle school class visits The GrowHaus for a hands-on aquaponics lesson. Students observe tilapia swimming in tanks, test water pH levels, and harvest lettuce grown above the fish. They learn how nitrogen from fish waste becomes fertilizer for plants. One student wrote in her journal: “I used to think food came from a store. Now I know it comes from fish, water, and sunlight.” That shift in understanding is the foundation of a new generation of food-literate citizens.

Example 4: The Senior Garden Club

At 78, Helen moved into a senior housing complex with no outdoor space. She felt isolated and depressed. Then she joined The GrowHaus’s Senior Garden Club. Each week, she travels by bus to the farm, where she tends to a small plot of lavender and mint. She brings the herbs home to make tea and shares them with her neighbors. “I used to think I was too old to grow things,” she says. “Now I feel like I’m still growing.”

Example 5: The Market That Feeds a Neighborhood

Before The GrowHaus opened, Elyria-Swansea had no grocery store within a two-mile radius. Residents drove up to 10 miles for fresh produce. Today, the weekly market offers 15–20 varieties of vegetables, often harvested that morning. Families use SNAP benefits to buy food, and many receive “double bucks” through a city-funded program that matches their spending. One grandmother said, “I used to buy canned corn because it was cheap. Now I buy fresh corn, and my grandkids eat it right off the cob.”

Example 6: The Compost Initiative

The GrowHaus collects food scraps from 12 local restaurants and 200 households. That’s over 12 tons of waste diverted from landfills annually. One restaurant owner, who used to pay $200/month to haul away scraps, now pays nothing. In return, he receives free compost for his patio garden. “It’s not just waste management,” he says. “It’s community building.”

FAQs

Is The GrowHaus open to the public every day?

No. The GrowHaus is primarily a working farm and educational center. Public access is available on weekends for markets and tours. Check their website for the current schedule.

Do I need gardening experience to volunteer?

No. All skill levels are welcome. Volunteers receive on-site training and work alongside experienced staff.

Can I grow food on my balcony in Denver?

Absolutely. Many residents successfully grow herbs, lettuce, strawberries, and dwarf tomatoes in containers. The key is choosing the right plants for sunlight exposure and using quality soil.

Is the produce at The GrowHaus organic?

Yes. The GrowHaus follows organic growing standards, avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. They are not certified organic due to the cost and complexity of certification, but their methods meet or exceed organic guidelines.

How does the pay-what-you-can market work?

Shoppers are asked to pay what they can afford. No one is turned away for lack of funds. Donations help sustain the program. It’s a model of economic justice, not charity.

Can I bring my kids?

Yes! The GrowHaus is family-friendly. Children love the interactive elements: touching soil, harvesting herbs, feeding fish. Many workshops are designed for families.

Do they sell plants or seeds?

Yes, during seasonal plant sales and at the market. They offer seedlings of vegetables and herbs suited to Denver’s climate. Seed packets are often available for free through their seed library.

Is parking available?

Yes. There is free street parking and a small lot behind the building. Public transit is also accessible via the E Line light rail.

Can I donate produce from my garden?

Yes. The GrowHaus accepts surplus produce from home gardeners. Contact them ahead of time to coordinate drop-offs.

What if I live outside Denver?

You can still learn from The GrowHaus. Their website offers free downloadable guides, video tours, and educational resources. Many of their practices can be adapted to any urban or suburban environment.

Conclusion

Exploring urban farming at The GrowHaus Denver is not just a visit—it’s an awakening. It reveals that food is not merely a product to be bought, but a process to be understood, a relationship to be nurtured, and a right to be defended. The GrowHaus proves that even in the heart of a city, nature can thrive when given space, care, and community.

By following the steps outlined here—planning your visit, participating in workshops, volunteering, and applying best practices—you don’t just learn about urban farming. You become part of it. You help transform concrete into soil, apathy into action, and isolation into connection.

The lessons from The GrowHaus extend far beyond its walls. They challenge us to rethink our relationship with food, our responsibility to the environment, and our power to create change—even in the smallest of spaces. Whether you’re growing a single pot of basil on a fire escape or leading a neighborhood garden initiative, you’re continuing the work that began in this unassuming building in Elyria-Swansea.

So go. Visit. Touch the soil. Taste the tomato. Talk to the farmer. And then—plant your own seed. Because the future of food isn’t in distant fields or corporate warehouses. It’s right here, in our cities, in our hands, in our neighborhoods. And it’s growing.