Welcome to our full FAQ hub! Here, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about our community gardens, team building days, our product reservations, and more.
Each section is organized by topic so you can easily find what you’re looking for.
Still can’t find the answer? We’d love to hear from you — get in touch here!
Community Growing FAQs
How do I join the community farm?
2027 memberships are offered through the Thunder Gardens Community Growing Collective, our new Ontario nonprofit. Add your name to the waitlist. It is free, and waitlist members get first access when registration opens in the spring. Workplaces can also book a team building day.
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 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. Full details are available on the Community Growing page.
How many memberships are available?
We keep membership intentionally small, with 40 memberships available. This lets us build a strong, connected community where members get to know the farm and each other.
How is the harvest shared among members throughout the season?
Harvest is shared equally among members who attend their shifts.
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 should I know before visiting the farm?
All members must attend a mandatory virtual orientation session (yes, it is recorded) and accept the gardener agreement before participating. This protects you, our community, and the farm by setting clear expectations for safety, conduct, and shared responsibility.
What should I bring with me to each farm shift?
Bring weather appropriate clothing, gloves, drinking water, and harvest containers when needed.
What happens if I cannot attend my scheduled shift?
Notify us early and arrange a make up shift when possible.
Can I change my shift schedule once the season is underway?
We try to accommodate all requests but cannot guarantee that permanent shift changes will be possible once the season begins.
Do shifts still run when the weather is not ideal?
Shifts run in most weather, and unsafe conditions trigger cancellations or adjustments.
Can children attend shifts, and what are the expectations?
Children are welcome with close supervision and safe behaviour around tools, our animals, and work areas.
Are dogs allowed on the farm during member shifts?
Dogs may be allowed leashed, with restrictions near growing areas. Please contact us in advance.
What if I need accessibility support or modified tasks?
Share your needs and we will do our best to offer suitable tasks when possible.
What information do you collect during registration?
We collect contact details, share selection, membership level, shift preferences, and agreement confirmation.
Will photos or videos be taken during shifts?
Photos may be taken for promotional purposes, and you can opt out at any time.
Can I contribute beyond my regular weekly commitment?
Optional volunteer opportunities may be available, especially as we scale and build our operations. You can indicate interest during registration.
Team Building FAQs
Who is a team day for?
Corporate teams, government departments, nonprofits, and community groups looking for a meaningful day together outside the office.
Does our team need farming experience?
Everyone is welcome. Every task is explained, demonstrated, and guided by our growers, so first timers and seasoned gardeners work side by side.
How many people can you host?
Tell us your group size when you request a quote and we will shape the day around it.
When can we book?
Weekdays from April through September 2027, between 8 am and 5 pm. Book early to secure your preferred date.
How is pricing set?
Each day is quoted based on group size, length, and the activities you choose. Request a quote and we will send you options.
Can we customize a package?
Absolutely. Start with the package closest to what you want, and we will adjust the activities, timing, and add-ons together.
Can we add a facilitated training session?
Yes. Facilitated sessions on team connection, resilience, and leadership can be added to any half or full day.
What should we bring?
Weather appropriate clothing, closed toe shoes, water, and sun protection. Bring your own lunch, or ask us to arrange catering.
What happens if the weather turns?
Team days run in most weather. If conditions are unsafe, we will work with you to find a new date.
Can you support accessibility needs?
Share your team’s needs when you book and we will plan tasks so everyone can take part.
Who runs team days?
Team days are hosted by the Thunder Gardens Community Growing Collective, a new Ontario nonprofit, on the Thunder Gardens farm. Your fees help fund community growing and youth programs.
Ordering farm products FAQs
How do I place an order?
To place an order, simply fill out the reservation form.
Let us know which products you’d like to reserve and include any relevant details, such as quantities or pickup preferences, so we can serve you best.
Do I need to pay when I submit the reservation form?
How will I know if my reservation was successful?
Can I request a specific pickup date or time?
Can I reserve more than one product at a time?
Absolutely. You can reserve as many of the available products as you like – just check off all the items you’re interested in and include any details (like quantities) in your message.
What if I change my mind after submitting a reservation?
General FAQs about Thunder Gardens Community Growing
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. Starting in 2027, memberships, team building days, and youth programs are run by the Thunder Gardens Community Growing Collective Inc., our new Ontario nonprofit.
Can I visit the farm or talk to someone first?
Yes. We welcome farm visits by appointment, and we also offer a free 30-minute consultation to talk through what fits you best. Contact us to set up a time.
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.
Do you run youth programs?
Yes. We partner with Parkdale Food Centre and Youth Services Bureau on hands-on programs where young people grow food, learn practical skills and build confidence on the land. Meet our partners.
Can I buy products from the farm?
Yes. Depending on the season, we offer heritage turkeys, fresh eggs, raw honey and cut flowers. Reserve what you would like on our Farm Products page and we will confirm your order by email.
We’d Love to Hear From You!
Have any other questions that we did not answer yet, 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.
Come visit, send us a note, or give us a shout – Tippie will probably greet you first. 🐾