Cortez Community Gardens will host a workshop on composting and how to extend the garden season April 1 at 10 a.m. at the Cortez Recreation Center.

There will be instruction on composting and tips on how to extend a growing season, survive light frost and light winds.

Instruction will be given on how to put together a low tunnel greenhouse with rebar, PVC and fabric. The structure helps to provide protection from temperatures, wind and insects.

Cortez Community Gardens runs two gardens in town.

The Recreation Center garden has a demonstration garden for teaching, produces food for the Good Sam’s Food Pantry, a children’s garden and 18 community plats to rent to Montezuma County residents. Compost bins, hoses, a tool shed and a wash station are available for gardener use. Individual plots are $7 per year, medium plots are $12 per year, and family plots are $15 per year.

Produce from the demonstration garden at the Rec Center is donated to the Good Samaritan Food Pantry, including 331 pounds in 2020, 265 pounds in 2019 and 205 pounds in 2018.

The Third Street Garden started in 2022 at the pocket park at 517 E. Third St.

There are 11 total plots, with 10 plots available for residents to rent. One plot is reserved as a demonstration/children’s garden. There will be compost bins, hoses and a tool chest for gardener use. Plot preference is given to neighborhood residents. Individual plots are $5 per year, medium plots are $10 per year and family plots are $15 per year.

To learn more, visit commongroundcortez.org or email commongroundcortez@gmail.com.