Community Growing
Whether you are new to growing or experienced, you can build skills, confidence, and community here.
Grow high quality organic food in a shared community farm
At Thunder Gardens, we believe everyone deserves a chance to grow their own fresh, organic food. That’s why we offer a ready to grow community garden, equipped with tilled soil, water, compost and mulch.
Just learning? The farm provides the right tools and coordination of tasks. You bring steady participation and care for the space. Work is guided each shift so beginners can learn and experienced growers can contribute.
How It Works
Learn Through Shared Work
No experience required
We help you build confidence as a grower.
Each shift is guided by an experienced garden coordinator. Tasks are explained, demonstrated, and organized so members can learn while contributing real work.
You will learn how to grow high quality organic food through repetition, shared standards, and consistent practice. If you show up each week and participate, your confidence will grow quickly.
What membership involves
Membership is a commitment to shared work and shared responsibility. Before you participate, you agree to the gardener agreement. This protects you, our community, and the farm.
We have different share sizes, time commitments and prices. In 2027, memberships are offered through the Thunder Gardens Community Growing Collective, our new Ontario nonprofit. See share options and join the waitlist on our registration page.
Why Choose Thunder Gardens?
Everything You Need to Grow
Biodiversity you can feel
A farm landscape shaped for pollinators, birds, and healthy soil life. Growing here means working with nature, not against it.
Soil built with organic compost
Our compost comes from our own poultry systems and is returned to the beds as a key input for fertility and soil structure.
Tools, water, and tractor support
Water access and shared tools are available for member shifts. A tractor is on site for heavy lifting and farm tasks that require equipment.
Close enough to commit
Far enough to feel like the countryside. Close enough to make a weekly shift realistic for Ottawa area members.
Grow With Us
Join the 2027 Waitlist
Add your name to the waitlist. It is free, and waitlist members get first access when registration opens in the spring.
For Workplaces
Bring Your Team to the Farm
Looking for a team day with real purpose? Your team can plant, harvest and pack fresh food for neighbours, meet the animals, learn to drive a tractor, and add a facilitated session on connection and resilience. Weekdays, April to September 2027.
What share options are available for members, and how often do I participate?
Choose a full share which is weekly or a half share which is every other week share, and you receive harvest on that schedule.
Is the membership per person or per family?
Memberships are per family (or household). That means you and your partner, or anyone sharing your home, can split work shifts, harvest days, and all the good stuff that comes with being a member.
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. Have questions about which option fits you? Get in touch and we will help.
How do weekly shifts work, and how do I choose mine?
You select a preferred shift during registration, and we confirm placement based on availability.
What happens if I cannot attend my scheduled shift?
Notify us early and arrange a make up shift when possible.
What should I bring with me to each farm shift?
Bring weather appropriate clothing, gloves, drinking water, and harvest containers when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about community growing?
Browse our most common questions about community growing at Thunder Gardens. If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help you get growing with confidence!