Welcome to Thunder Gardens
Rooted in Community. Grown with Care.
Nestled just outside Ottawa, Thunder Gardens is your local destination for sustainable living and fresh, organic produce. Whether you dream of growing your own vegetables or joining a like-minded community, we invite you to be part of our community.
Members grow in a shared public growing area
Harvest is shared as crops are ready
This is hands on learning. Members commit to one shift each week or every other week. Tasks include planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, and clean up. We grow high quality organic food using practical methods and careful stewardship. This works when members show up reliably and take shared responsibility seriously.
How the Community Farm Works
More Than a Farm – A Place to Belong
01
Your First Farm Session
Find out exactly what to bring, what to expect, and how a shift works. Everything a new grower needs before day one.
02
How Community Growing Works
Learn how shared shifts work, what you’ll grow, how harvest is divided, and what’s expected of every member.
03
Pricing, Shares & Sign Up
Choose your share size, review membership levels and costs, and complete your registration for the 2026 season.
Fresh Food. Sustainable Living. Community Roots.
Organic & Eco-Friendly Practices
We follow organic and permaculture principles to regenerate the land, enrich the soil, and support a thriving ecosystem.
Where The City Meets The Country
Located 20 minutes from downtown, we offer a peaceful farm experience that’s easily accessible to city dwellers.
Beekeeping & Biodiversity Focus
From honeybees to wildflowers, our farm is designed to foster pollinators and biodiversity across the landscape.
Support Every Step of the Way
Work is guided on site during each shift. Members learn through doing, with clear direction and shared standards that keep the farm running smoothly.
Join us and be a part of something special – where sustainability, learning, and community come together.
★★★★★
Thunder Gardens has been a game-changer for me! As someone who used to grow my own vegetables in my backyard, moving into an apartment left me really missing that connection to the land. Finding Thunder Gardens was such a blessing. It’s just a short drive east of Ottawa on the 417, but it feels like a peaceful escape from the city. Jay and Candace have created a beautiful space where people like me can get back to growing fresh produce and reconnecting with nature. I love being part of this welcoming community, and I can’t wait to keep growing my own food here for years to come. Highly recommend Thunder Gardens to anyone looking to get their hands in the soil again!
Ashraf Yassin
What is Thunder Gardens?
Thunder Gardens is a community focused farm where people grow high quality organic food together. Through public memberships and partner programs, participants contribute time, share responsibility, and share the harvest. The farm provides land, tools, and coordination to support collective growing and learning through hands on experience.
Do I need gardening experience to join?
No, Thunder Gardens welcomes both beginner and experienced growers. We aim to inspire learning and build your confidence as a grower through shared work and practical experience.
What should I know before visiting the farm?
All members must attend a mandatory orientation session and sign the gardener agreement before participating. This protects you, our community, and the farm by setting clear expectations for safety, conduct, and shared responsibility.
How does membership pricing work?
Membership pricing is designed to balance access and sustainability. We offer a range of options that reflect different financial situations while supporting the shared costs of running the farm. Members choose the option that fits them best. Full details are available on the Community Growing page.
How do I join the community farm?
Start by joining the 2026 Public Membership List. Joining the list does not commit you to anything and no payment is required to join the list. Memberships are confirmed after you review the information and complete the registration process.
Can I visit Thunder Gardens before joining the community growing program?
Yes, we encourage visits by appointment. Contact us to schedule a farm tour.
Can I book a consultation to learn more?
Yes, we offer a free 30-minute consultation to discuss how we can best support your growing journey. Please contact us.
What makes Thunder Gardens different from other community growing programs?
Biodiversity, poultry compost, tractor support, and our coordinators help members learn, connect, and build community friendships.
Frequently Asked Questions
You Have Questions? We’ve Got Answers
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Farm Gallery
NEWS
Fresh Farming News and Updates
What a Grow Together Shift Looks Like at Thunder Gardens
Growing Together is simple: you show up, you contribute, you learn, and you...
A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Your Own Vegetables in Ottawa’s Climate
Thinking about starting your own vegetable garden but not sure where to begin?...
The Vital Role of Bees in Your Garden & Our Ecosystem
At Thunder Gardens, we talk a lot about bees — and for good reason. These tiny...
We’d Love to Hear From You!
Have a question, want to stop by the farm, or just feel like saying hello?
We’re always happy to connect with fellow nature lovers, future growers, and curious minds.