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 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 food, completely free of charge.
Register here for the BCCG Seed and Soil giveaway!
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 experiencing challenges accessing healthy food and would benefit from free seeds and soil, we invite you to sign up to receive these gardening supplies.
BCCG seed and soil giveaway!
This year again, BCCG will partner with Just Food to host a distribution site in the Bells Corners neighbourhood. The Seed and Soil giveaway will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the Maple Hill Urban Farm, 200 Moodie Dr, Ottawa ON K2H 8K6.
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 you supplement your grocery bills by growing your own fresh, healthy food at home.
Let’s grow, neighbours!
Sprouting something new with Just Food (2025)
Kate Veinot, Just Food, Food Systems Planner
“We know that growing food is about more than seeds and soil. It’s about resilience, culture, and connection. Our annual Seed & Soil program is strongest when it’s shaped alongside the community it serves. By partnering directly with community organizations like the Bells Corners Community Garden, we can identify and remove barriers (whether that’s access to materials, knowledge, or space) so that anyone who wants to grow food, can do so.”
