This post is part of Cheap Thrills’ summer series on eating, growing, and knowing more about local food. Want to get involved? Sign Grow Local Colorado’s pledge to support locally grown food.

As Denver’s urban-garden communities grow, they need help remaining sustainable through such a rapid expansion.

Here, I’ve culled a multitude of ways to volunteer with these local gardening groups (listed below).

But first, acquaint yourself with the people and efforts involved this Wednesday with a community potluck at 6 p.m. at The GrowHaus, 4751 York St. Sponsored by Grow Local Colorado and Transition Denver, it’s a celebration for Robert DuBois and Aaron Zueck, who are biking across the country and visiting various cities to talk about local food. The event is free and open to the public; visit Grow Local’s website for more information.

Denver Urban Gardens offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, like community garden construction projects, planting and weeding, and educating youth.

Earth Links connects the homeless and at-risk with gardening programs and the environment. The organization is currently seeking volunteers for its upcoming sales.

Harvesting True Growth educates felons and ex-felons to develop farms in Adams County. They are looking for volunteers like farmers, chefs, or nutritionists who can speak at their weekly development meetings. They’re also seeking out donations of farm tools, culinary tools, and office supplies.

Revision is trying to create a sustainable society and has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, from web design to grant writing to gardening.

The Denver Botanic Gardens is looking to grow its army of more than 1,000 helpers. Volunteers help in education programs, with events, and in horticulture.

Also check out Growhaus, Greenleaf, Denver Green School, and the Digital Garden on Leetsdale for more volunteer opportunities.