This garden offers a space to grow healthy local food and raise awareness about sustainable food systems. It also helps bridge the gap between urban living and green space by offering the campus community a chance to enjoy and interact with nature.

As the garden is organic, we avoid all pesticides and insecticides. We aim to work in harmony with the natural ecosystem, including insects and species often seen as pests.
 

We’re looking for individuals excited not only about gardening, but also about building a community. As a garden member, you’ll receive a free plot to use for the season. Two plot types are available:

• Raised beds (4 ft x 4 ft)
• In-ground beds (4 ft x 8 ft)

The gardening season runs from late May to late October. Gardeners are expected to:

• Maintain their plots regularly (watering may be required almost daily in summer)
• Attend a monthly garden cleanup
• Begin planting and tidying their plots by the dates outlined in the gardener agreement (sent when you’re assigned a plot)
   

The garden is open to members of both the University of Ottawa and Sandy Hill communities. Priority is given to students.

Our garden is in high demand and is at capacity for the 2025 season. To join, complete the waitlist form. You can complete the form at any point during the year. Applicants are contacted in mid-March to confirm their position on the waitlist. Occasionally, we may contact you later in the season if a plot becomes available.

Returning gardeners receive first priority and are contacted in February and March. After that, remaining plots are assigned to those on the waitlist on a first come, first served basis.

Gardeners are encouraged to grow a wide variety of vegetables and fruits. To maintain a healthy garden environment:

• Invasive or aggressively spreading plants are not permitted.
• Fruiting shrubs are allowed in moderation but must be planted in pots to prevent spreading.
• Companion flowers are welcome, but most of your plot should be dedicated to food crops.
   

There are several other locations for gardening initiatives on campus:

• Learning Gardens behind Leblanc residence — used by two campus groups
• Edible landscape beds — in front of Lamoureux Hall, mobile planters near the UCU Dining Hall entrance, tiered beds near the Morisset Library along the stairs leading to the second floor of the UCU
   

These spaces are maintained by volunteers through the Office of Campus Sustainability. Learn more about current volunteer sustainability opportunities.