The State of Colorado provides certification if a grower applies, maintains a synthetic free field for three years, and agrees to yearly inspections. This trend is part of an increasing health concern and desire to practice sustainable agriculture methods. Home gardening-historically the primary source of food for a family. Now a major hobby and source of recreation while supplementing the family food supply. Home gardening can be practiced in urban as well as rural areas.
Food is grown in the ground or containers.
Produce is eaten fresh, canned or frozen. Fresh market vegetables include Brussels sprouts, celery, eggplants, escarole, garlic, lettuce, melons, onions, and green peppers. Vegetables grown for fresh market and processing are asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, potatoes, snap beans, spinach, sweet corn, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. Those grown primarily for processing are lima beans, beets, and green peas. The top vegetables as far as total production, harvested acreage, and value is potato, tomato, lettuce, sweet corn, and onions.