Sure, it’s the dead of winter, but it’s not too early to start thinking about springtime and growing a bounty of homegrown vegetables. Everyone needs something to look forward to, especially as the pandemic begins to pass into the rearview mirror.
Larry Stebbins, known in Colorado Springs gardening circles as “The Garden Father” (also the name of his gardening blog), is spearheading The Backyard Garden Project along with the El Paso County Colorado State University Extension.
Stebbins is a former secondary school chemistry teacher and school administrator who has been an organic gardener since childhood. He recently decided he wanted to share his experience and joy of gardening with those who he describes as “food insecure families.” The Backyard Garden Project began to take root after he contacted Irene Shonle, El Paso County Extension Program Associate. Their collaboration expanded and they contacted a group of Master Gardeners, working out the details for what the pr