Public Farm Tours *CURRENTLY ON HOLD*
Individual and Group Tours
**Our public farm tours are currently on hold due to COVID, health and safety concerns. Please check back with us (or sign up for our newsletter) for when we will be open to the public again.**
Explore our 10 acre, solar-powered, organic vegetable farm and learn about where your food comes from! Enjoy a guided tour from our friendly farmers, learning about the environmental and community focused initiatives at the farm. See our solar powered electric tractor in action and take home some freshly harvested veggies at the end of the day.
Please note that we will be following health and safety measures to keep our guests and staff safe. Our tours are outdoors, with plenty of open space and suitable for guests of all ages. We understand public health recommendations may change in the coming months so we are not requesting a deposit until the spring. If you are interested in visiting our farm please reserve your date in advance.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Arrival :
Wheelbarrow Farm is located approximately 1 hour from Toronto and 1.5hrs from Hamilton. The farm is located at 535 Durham Regional Road 13, Sunderland, ON L0C 1H0. Free parking is available on site and bus parking can be accommodated upon request.
Activities:
At arrival you will be greeted by one of our knowledgeable farmers, who will take you on a guided tour of our 10 acre property. You’ll walk the fields and gardens, all while learning about permaculture, sustainable farming and why we grow using organic practices. At our farm we grow over 40 different types of vegetables! Throughout the tour you’ll see the many trees we’ve planted (100 trees/year) which act as bird/wildlife habitat and windbreak for our crops. The tour will take you through our cedar forest as well as learning about our solar array and solar-powered, electric tractor (the first of its kind in Canada!). We’ll also have hands on activities such as harvesting and sampling some seasonal vegetables.
Lunch:
Each group can enjoy their packed lunch (bring your own) at a distanced picnic table in the shade, looking out onto the fields. We have newly built, outhouse facilities and a hand washing station on site.
Health and Safety:
The health and safety of our guests is paramount, we will outline COVID related protocols as well as general farm safety at guest arrival. The number of participants per day will be restricted based on public health guidelines.
Reservations:
Reservations are required. Please reserve your tour date in advance using our booking system below . Deposits will not be required until April as we understand the changing situation with COVID-19 may affect scheduling of the tour.
Price:
$60 individual
Group of 4 for $160
Discounted rate for CSA members:
$50 individual
Group of 4 $140 (at least one person is a CSA member)
Group of 4+ contact us for discount rate
Organic Farming and Gardening Workshops *ON HOLD*
**Our on-farm workshops are currently on hold for 2021 due to COVID, health and safety concerns. Please check back with us (or sign up for our newsletter) for when events will be available again!**
Looking to expand your organic gardening or farming skills and knowledge? Learn from our founder and lead farmer, Tony Neale with a variety of comprehensive workshops.
Our goal is to provide you with a solid foundation and the confidence to take your growing to the next level. Workshops are suitable for individuals, or groups up to 12 participants maximum. Each workshop will include a mix of structured learning with a powerpoint presentation as well as hands-on workshops, plus documentation to take home. Workshops will take place outdoors and all health and safety protocols will be in effect.
Not sure if this is right for you? Contact us today to discuss your needs and the possibility of a more tailored workshop and agenda.
Cost per participant: $100 per session or discounted rate of $300 for all four.
*Please contact us for group rates
Suggested dates and workshop agendas listed below:
May - Greenhouse construction and Management
- Botany for Gardeners
- Germination and seedling care
- Soil mixes and farm fertility
- Choosing the right seeds
- Planning your garden
- Overview of tools in the Spring garden
- Hands-on: greenhouse work, starting seeds in the greenhouse.
- Spring seed starting guide provided
June - Bed preparation and Planting
- Fertilizing the fields
- Seedlings vs. Direct seeding
- Bed prep: How to prepare a bed for transplants and direct seeding
- Hands on: Planting the garden - rows seeders, paperpot transplanter, Potato and squash planting.
July - Maintaining your crop + Solar energy and Electric Tractors
- Organic pest management
- Irrigation - equipment and practices
- Hands on: Weed management - tools and practices. From hand tools to tractors and implements.
- On-farm electricity generation
- Electric tractors and vehicles
August - Bringing in the Harvest
- Post-harvest handling: overview of techniques for harvesting, cleaning and storing greens, roots, fruits and storage crops.
- Storage containers
- Building your own walk-in fridge
- Hands on: Carrot and potato harvest
- Cover crops - what they are and which ones to choose
- Marketing your crop: Farmers’ markets, CSA, wholesale, farmgate