Mission Statement

The Bells Corners Community Garden (BCCG) is dedicated to fostering food security, sustainability, and community engagement through urban gardening. We grow fresh, nutritious vegetables to support local food banks and ultimately neighbours who need access to healthy food.

By cultivating a shared space for learning, collaboration, and environmental stewardship, we empower our community to connect, grow, and give back.

Grow your food for free!

Interested in growing your own vegetables at home but facing challenges like cost or access to supplies? You're not alone, and we're here to support you!

Through our partnership with the Just Food Seed and Soil Program, residents of Bells Corners, who have financial barriers, can receive free vegetable seeds and organic soil to help start or expand your home garden, in your backyard, on your balcony, or in containers on your porch.

Whether you're new to gardening or have years of experience, this is a wonderful opportunity to grow your own fresh, healthy food, completely free of charge.

Register now to receive your free seeds and soil!

 

Just Food: Seeding gardens

Just Food is dedicated to building vibrant, equitable, and sustainable food and farming systems across the Ottawa region. Their mission is to improve long-term access to healthy, culturally appropriate food for all, while addressing the many barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our communities.

As part of the Just Food Seed and Soil Program, you’ll receive at least six free varieties of organic, untreated vegetable seeds that is free from pesticides or chemicals, and perfect for growing safe, healthy food at home. Plus, you’ll also receive approximately 160 litres of high-quality organic topsoil, enough to fill three standard blue or black recycling bins. This is a value of approximately $50. This nutrient-rich soil is ideal for planting your vegetable seeds and other edible plants, helping to ensure strong, healthy growth all season long.

If you’re facing challenges accessing healthy food and could benefit from free seeds and soil, we invite you to sign up here to receive these gardening supplies.

 

BCCG seed and soil giveaway!

This year, BCCG will partner with Just Food to host a distribution site in Bells Corners. The seed and soil giveaway will be held on June 7, 2025 from 10 AM - 2:00 PM in the parking lot at the Westcliffe Community Centre, 681 Seyton Drive.

To take part in this program, simply register online, then get ready to pick up your free garden supplies! Be sure to bring three blue or black recycling bins, or similar sturdy containers, to collect your soil. Please do not use garbage bags because the soil will be too heavy to carry. You’ll also need a way to transport everything, such as a car, wagon, or wheelbarrow.

Our goal is to make gardening accessible to everyone in our community. We're especially dedicated to supporting families experiencing food insecurity and are eager to help them supplement their grocery bills by growing their own fresh, healthy food at home.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out, we’re happy to help. And please, don’t forget to register to get your free seed and soil.

Let’s grow, Bells Corners!

Sprouting something new with Just Food

  • From soil to supper!

    A little soil, a handful of seeds, and some sunshine are all you need to get started. The Seed and Soil Program can help you grow your own goodness, and enjoy the taste of fresh, homegrown yumminess!

  • Plant something good

    With the support of the Seed and Soil Program, growing your own food is not as hard as you might think. Fresh veggies, mean fresh food for your family, and maybe even a little extra to share with friends.

  • Seeds today, snacks tomorrow!

    Whether it’s juicy tomatoes, crunchy carrots, or crisp cucumbers, a little patience turns tiny seeds into tasty treats. Sign up for the Seed and Soil Program, and get ready to savour the fruits of your labour!

—Joan Wright, BCCG, President

“Food is a basic need, but for too many in our community, it’s not always within reach. This partnership with Just Food means more than seeds and soil, it’s also about dignity and empowerment. When we help people grow their own food, we’re planting confidence, connection, and care. That’s at the heart of what we do at the BCCG to support our neighbours in need.”