What to Bring & What to Expect at Thunder Gardens
Everything a new community grower needs to know before showing up for their first shift — so you can arrive confident, comfortable, and ready.
You're Going to Love Your First Shift
The first time you show up to a community farm session can feel a little unknown — and that's completely normal. This guide answers every practical question so that by the time you arrive, the only thing left to do is enjoy it.
Every shift at Thunder Gardens is guided by a coordinator who walks you through the day's tasks, shows you exactly what to do, and makes sure you leave with both knowledge and — once the season gets going — a share of what you helped grow.
Pack These Before You Leave Home
A comfortable, well-prepared member is a happy member. Here's everything worth throwing in your bag or car before heading out to the farm.
Closed-Toe Shoes or Boots
You'll be walking on real farm ground — sometimes muddy early in the season. Boots are ideal; avoid open-toe sandals entirely.
Water Bottle
Shifts run 3–4 hours and Ottawa summers get warm. Bring a full water bottle — farm work is thirsty work, especially during harvest season.
Sun Protection
Hat and sunscreen are essential for morning and afternoon shifts. The farm is open and exposed — there's not much shade out on the growing beds.
A Snack
Bring something to keep your energy up mid-shift. Whether it's an apple, a granola bar, or leftovers — it's always a good idea.
A Box or Bag (Harvest Season)
Once crops start coming in (typically late June), you'll want a sturdy box or reusable bag to carry your share home. Clean containers, freezer bags, and elastics help too.
Layers & Weather-Ready Clothing
Ottawa mornings can be cool even in summer. Dress for the outdoors — you may be kneeling, bending, and working up a sweat.
Free Gloves on Your First Shift
Every new member receives a complimentary pair of work gloves at their first session. So that's one less thing to worry about packing — we've got you covered.
How a Typical Shift Unfolds
Each shift has a rhythm. Here's what to expect from the moment you arrive to the moment you head home.
Check In & Meet the Group
Arrive at the start of your shift — morning or afternoon — and check in with the coordinator. You'll meet the other members working that day and get a quick intro to what's on the agenda.
Task Briefing from Your Coordinator
Your coordinator opens every shift by going over the day's tasks and showing you how each one is done. No guessing, no confusion — you'll always know exactly what to do and why it matters for the farm.
Work, Learn & Connect
Roll up your sleeves. Tasks vary by season — planting, weeding, watering, composting, harvesting, and clean-up. All tools are provided. You'll learn as you go, side by side with other members. The work is structured so you always know what to do next.
Collect Your Share
Once crops start coming in, the harvest is divided equally among everyone who showed up that day. This is when the whole experience becomes very real — you leave with food you actually helped grow.
Clean Up & Head Home
The last part of every shift is a tidy-up of tools and the growing area. It's quick and it's how the farm stays running smoothly for everyone.
Tasks You Can Expect Throughout the Season
Tasks rotate with the season. Some weeks you'll be planting. Others you'll be harvesting. Your coordinator guides every single one.
Planting
Seeding and transplanting crops into the growing beds.
Weeding
Keeping beds clear so crops get the nutrients they need.
Watering
Hand watering and irrigation support throughout the season.
Harvesting
Picking ripe crops and preparing them to be shared among members.
Composting
Turning organic matter into nutrient-rich soil for the next season.
Clean-Up
End-of-shift tidying to keep the farm organized and ready for next time.
Good to Know Before You Arrive
A few practical things that make your first visit smooth from the moment you pull in.
Free On-Site Parking
Parking is free and available right at the farm. No need to plan around street parking.
Washroom Facilities
Washrooms are available on-site so you don't need to plan around that either.
Kids Welcome
Children are welcome at the farm. They must be supervised by you at all times for safety on a working farm.
All Tools Provided
No need to bring your own equipment. All farm tools are on-site and ready to use each shift.
Orientation Required
Before your first shift, you'll attend a mandatory orientation session and sign the gardener agreement. This sets everyone up for a safe, productive season.
Location
4874 Thunder Road, Ottawa — about 20 minutes east of downtown, just off the 417.
Your First-Shift Packing List
Click each item as you pack it. Print this page or screenshot it to bring along.
- ✓ 👟 Closed-toe shoes or muddy-day boots
- ✓ 💧 Full water bottle
- ✓ ☀️ Sunscreen applied + hat packed
- ✓ 🍎 Snack for mid-shift energy
- ✓ 🌿 Weather-appropriate layers
- ✓ 📦 Box or bag for harvest (once crops are ready)
- ✓ ♻️ Clean reusable containers + freezer bags (harvest season)
- ✓ 🧤 Gloves — provided free on your first shift!
Click each item to check it off as you pack
You're All Set. Now Claim Your Spot.
Spots for the 2026 season are limited. Join the membership list today — no payment required to sign up.