Construction is officially underway on a new energy-efficient, year-round greenhouse for Growing Gardens, a beloved Boulder nonprofit committed to cultivating community through regenerative agriculture. Designed and engineered by Ceres Greenhouse Solutions, the state-of-the-art facility will significantly expand Growing Gardens’ capacity to grow and donate fresh produce, teach regenerative practices, and provide food security for families throughout Boulder County.
For over 27 years, Growing Gardens has empowered more than 176,000 local residents through hands-on gardening, cooking, and nutrition education. Their mission centers on reconnecting people of all ages, income levels, and abilities to their food systems—and this new greenhouse will be a transformative next step in that mission.
With Ceres’ help, Growing Gardens is building a passive-solar greenhouse that exemplifies sustainability and purpose. Designed with high-efficiency insulation, light-transmissive glazing, and passive solar heating, the structure will enable abundant year-round growing while minimizing energy use and environmental impact.
Ceres Greenhouse Designs allow for season extension or successful year-round growth. The structure at Growing Gardens will look similar to this HighYield™ Kit tt was built for Winterfell Acres’ CSA farm in Wisconsin.
This greenhouse will directly enhance food access by allowing the farm to grow 8,000 more vegetable seedlings each spring—a 33% increase—all of which will be donated to community members living on low incomes. These seedlings help families grow their own nutritious food, promoting long-term self-sufficiency. Additionally, the increased capacity will bolster production at Growing Gardens’ Longmont and Boulder sites, supporting more donations and educational programming across the region.
The community is invited to join Growing Gardens for a ribbon cutting and greenhouse tours in the Fall when the project is completed. The team at Growing Gardens hopes to show off the greenhouse during their annual Community Harvest Festival on October 8, where they’ll celebrate this exciting new chapter for local food equity.
But this dream greenhouse is not quite finished—and you can help. Growing Gardens is still seeking donations to complete the project and ensure it can serve the community for decades to come. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or newly inspired, your contribution will help grow a more sustainable and food-secure future for all.
To donate or learn more, visit: https://growinggardens.org/donate/
