March was anything but quiet at the Mid Shooks Run Community Garden. What looked like a construction zone for much of the month was actually something much more exciting: a full-scale transformation powered entirely by this community.

Over the course of five work sessions, gardeners came together to tear down a large cold frame and aging plot framing, rebuild every bed to a taller, more durable standard, and even make significant progress on our new shed! It was a massive undertaking, and the results speak for themselves. The garden is entering this growing season stronger, more accessible, and better than ever.

To everyone who fundraised, secured donations, fed us, hosted planning sessions, showed up (especially outside of our planned events), lifted, dug, leveled, hauled, and built:

THANK YOU.

This project simply is not possible without you.

March Highlights:

Plot Rebuild Complete
All garden plots have been rebuilt with new, taller framing, giving everyone more room to grow (literally).
Community in Action
Five volunteer days brought together an incredible show of effort, teamwork, and dedication.
Shed Progress Underway
Our new shed is well on its way, thanks to the momentum from our workdays and the kindness of those volunteering outside of workday hours.
Welcome New Members
We welcomed 16 new community gardeners! Welcome aboard!

A Quick (Important) Plot Reminder

One of our scheduled maintenance days was snowed out, so there is one final step before planting can begin: if you have an assigned plot at Mid Shooks Run Community Garden, bring your plot up to the new soil height before you begin planting.

There is a pile of soil located near the garden gate along El Paso St, along with wheelbarrows and shovels available for your use. Stop by at your convenience to top off your plot. A few quick guidelines:

Be mindful to keep soil off the street and pathways.
Leave the area as tidy as you found it.
Return tools to their proper place when you’re done.

If you’re not able to haul soil yourself, don’t worry. We’ve got a great community here. You can:

Reach out to a fellow gardener (through our Google Group) or friend for a hand, or
Contact us directly, and we’ll help coordinate a volunteer to assist you.

And now … April!

April is where things start to feel like a garden again.

Perennials are waking up, soil is warming (slowly), and the first signs of the growing season are here. As always in Colorado Springs, keep an eye on the weather. Warm afternoons can quickly turn into snowy evenings.

The heavy lifting isn’t quite behind us just yet. We replaced the aging plot and shed infrastructure. This month, we’re turning to build out the remainder of the food forest. In early April, we’ll install new infrastructure for grape vines, arctic kiwi, and pollinator borders. At the end of April, we’ll plant several varieties understory perennials alongside fruiting trees and bushes. Pears, honeyberries, and plums - oh my!

Here’s a preview of April at the Mid Shooks Run Community Garden:

Events!

**Community Constellations at Stellina Pizza Cafe**

Wednesday, April 8th, 2026: 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Stellina Pizza Cafe

10% of proceeds will be donated to Mid Shooks Run Community Garden.

View Event

**MSRNA Annual Membership Meeting**

Wednesday, April 22, 2026: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Switchback Coffee Roasters, 330 N. Institute St.
Get ready for an hour of presentations and discussion bracketed by time to socialize, grab some pizza and refreshments, and connect with old and new friends and neighbors.

Learn More

**Special Maintenance Events - Food Forest Planting**

Saturday, April 25th, 2026: 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Sunday, April 26th, 2026: 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Mid Shooks Run Community Garden

We will be coming together to plant understory perennials alongside fruiting trees and bushes.

Announcements:

Perennial Bed Harvests Begin
Keep an eye out for early-season favorites like rhubarb, asparagus, herbs, and spring onions. As always, these are shared among our gardeners. Harvest what you’ll use and enjoy!

Irrigation Timeline
Water is typically turned on around May 1st by the City, but this date may move to later in the month if the weather is poor. Until then, plan accordingly for any early planting.

A Note on Colorado Springs Weather
April in Colorado is unpredictable. Be ready to protect tender plants from frost, hail, and sudden temperature swings. Row covers, cloches, and a close eye on the forecast will go a long way.

Happy gardening!

The Plot Thickens: April Garden News

Marching Towards Spring: Mid Shooks Run Community Garden News