about us
who we are
We are a network of folks trying to address the inequalities of our food system. We do this by growing food and distributing the excess of what we grow/glean to local neighborhoods and communities with limited access to fresh produce, pay-what-you-can cafes, no-cost markets and food pantries.
Steffanie Hinkley Grogan
Founder of Blue Shed Urban Gardens
our process
start with a seed. Each spring we host seed swaps and giveaways throughout Denver. Seed donations from MASA Seed Foundation, Seed Savers Exchange, and BSUG are passed along at no charge to anyone wanting to grow food, flowers and/or herbs for themselves or their community.
plant seedlings. Starting in March, community gatherings are held once a week to start potting BSUG seedlings. A third of these seedlings will be sold at our seedling sale in May, another third planted in our 9 raised beds, and the remaining will be donated to organizations growing food for their communities.
help them grow. Transplanting the seedlings can be stressful for the plant! We do everything we can to reduce that stress, by utilizing holistic, organic and Integrated Pest Management practices throughout the growing season.
harvest. Throughout the season, community members harvest their crops and donate what they cannot use. These donations are most commonly left in crates and coolers for immediate distribution.
(fruit) gleaning & donating. We support Grow Local Colorado’s gleaning efforts by harvesting fruit trees in the metro area. Fruit is then distributed to schools, community organizations and harvest festivals throughout late summer and fall. Damaged fruit is made into cider, applesauce, or preserves
sharing. This is the distribution segment of our process in which we transport produce to communities who don’t have easy access to fresh food. This also includes the intentional element of distributing culturally relevant food/herbs to a specific group or community.
our commitments
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FOOD
Growing, eating, sharing and transporting crops to local food organizations such as pay-what-you-can markets and kitchens.
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SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
Reducing the amount of waste we produce by reusing trays/containers, using organic seedling mix, seeds and fertilizers, and composting.
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COMMUNITY
Cultivating relationships and celebrating the culture of what we grow and eat
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LOCAL
Jams, preserves, pie fillings and baked goods are made with produce that is in-season and harvested within the state of Colorado.
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EDUCATION + AWARENESS
Teaching and learning about holistic growing practices, food justice, and how we can create a more equitable food system.
Words of Gratitude
“Grow Local Colorado has partnered with Blue Shed Urban Gardens for the past four years. We couldn't ask for more committed, reliable and knowledgeable partner. Because of Steff's positive energy and leadership skills the South High School garden has not only been very productive during that time, but has also been an incredible learning opportunity for South High's special education classes. BSUG has provided the seeds, seedlings and lesson plans for this garden. The students find their garden space welcoming and beautiful.
Steff has also sought out small food pantries that are often overlooked for produce donations. Thanks to her we have nearly doubled the number of organizations we donate our fresh, delicious produce to. The fruit we glean in the fall is quickly distributed to these small food pantries and no-cost grocery programs because Steff puts in the time and miles to get it to them.
We look forward to many more years of partnering with this exceptional leader in our community.”
-Barbara Masoner, Founder and Co-Director of Grow Local Colorado
“Steffanie is amazing. Her work is what keeps communities thriving. Blue Shed has uplifted communities by simple acts of pure kindness. I am grateful she always goes above and beyond!”
-Andrea Loudd
Founder of Andrea’s No-Cost Market, Community Advocate for Villa Park Community
“I am impressed with all that Steff does to care for, hold together and inspire our community. They say that one person can’t make a difference but she obviously doesn’t buy that and makes it clear that one person can make a HUGE difference!
I appreciate all she does and all she is. We are so fortunate to know her and have her as a driving force for all things positive in Denver. Never has there been more of a need for what she brings to the party!”
-Jill Fielder
BSUG supporter, Colorado Master Gardener
Recurring donor to BSUG Porch Pantry and South High School’s Giving Grocery
Blue Shed Materials
Want to learn more or spread the word about Blue Shed?
Download our Promotional Materials below!