By Judy Kunz, Colorado Master Gardener℠

Give Master Gardeners some open ground, a few seed packets and a job to do and they’ll turn that space into a productive garden. That’s just what CSU Arapahoe County Master Gardeners have been doing since 2012 at Silo Park vegetable demonstration garden in Greenwood Village.

In partnership with the City of Greenwood Village, Master Gardeners plan, plant and maintain the 2,200 square foot garden and harvest the vegetables, fruit and herbs grown there. They have steadily increased the yield each year and have harvested a total of approximately 8,800 pounds of produce, donating it to feed the hungry.

Currently Presbyterian Church of the Covenant Cupboard in Greenwood Village is the recipient of all the produce grown at Silo. The Cupboard has been operating for 24 years and serves approximately 100 families per week. For more information about the Cupboard, visit: covcupboard.org/.

Master Gardeners are working at Silo Park on Tuesday mornings March through September and welcome visitors. They are available to take you on a tour of the garden and answer any of your gardening questions. You are invited to bring any samples from your yard and/or photos you have to illustrate any problems you may be experiencing, or just to show off that 25 pound zucchini!

If you have a home garden and find that you can’t consume everything you harvest and want to share it with those who are hungry, Master Gardeners will welcome your donations and see that they are delivered to The Cupboard. Please bring your washed produce to Silo Park, 9300 E. Orchard Road, between 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays.