Our mission is to maintain a fun, recreational destination for your entire family to enjoy, while preserving history and nature for the community.
1616 Mapleton Avenue Suffield, CT 06078
Call us: (860) 758-0668
Mail Support: info@fofah.org
Mon - Sun: 8.00am - 9.00pm
Cultivate & Connect
Date : TBA
This Event Has Yet To Be Scheduled.
We'll Let You Know When A Date is Set
Registration for 2026 - 1st-come, 1st-served!
Get On Our Plot Waitlist
The FOFAH board is delighted to be able to share the farmland with the local community, offering garden plots to individuals, groups, and families. Have fun and enjoy gardening at Hilltop Farm!
Nestled on the scenic eastern slope of the historic Hilltop Farm in Suffield, CT, the Community Garden offers a unique opportunity for local residents to connect with nature, grow their own food, and become part of a vibrant, shared space. Managed by the non-profit organization, the Friends of the Farm at Hilltop (FOFAH), the garden embodies the farm's mission of preserving agricultural heritage while fostering community engagement and sustainable practices. It is a place where community roots intertwine with plant roots, creating a thriving micro-community within Suffield.
The Hilltop Farm Community Garden welcomes all area residents–from school–age children learning about where food comes from to seniors with decades of experience–who are interested in gardening. It provides an ideal, inclusive environment for both seasoned green thumbs and those just starting out, creating an atmosphere of shared learning and camaraderie.
New gardeners often find a wealth of advice and encouragement from their more experienced neighbors, fostering a supportive network that extends beyond the garden rows.
Key features designed to ensure a successful growing season include:
Gardening at Hilltop Farm offers more than just the chance to grow fresh produce; it's an opportunity to enjoy a vital piece of local history. The farm was originally built in 1913 by George Hendee, the innovative co-founder of the Indian Motorcycle Company, as a "gentleman's retirement farm". Hendee's vision for a working farm complete with state-of-the-art dairy operations is a testament to the region's agricultural past.
Today, the property is a cherished local landmark, listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Volunteers and FOFAH members work tirelessly to renovate and maintain the historic buildings and grounds, including the iconic "Big White Barn", ensuring Hendee's legacy endures. The community garden is a living link to this agricultural heritage, bringing the land back into active production in a modern, sustainable way. By participating in the Community Garden, individuals actively support the preservation efforts of FOFAH while enjoying a serene, beautiful, and historic environment perfect for nurturing both plants and community spirit.
The Garden is located on eastern slope of the farm near the red small barns and outbuildings. Because the garden is on land leased from the Town of Suffield there are restrictions regarding when we can be there, and our approach to enhancing the farm.
To secure a plot, please make a $35 donation to FOFAH or donate a total of 20 volunteer hours per plot per season. You are limited to a two plot purchase during the initial plot assignment in the spring. We assign all plots by May 1st, and you are welcome to purchase a third plot, should any remain.
Plots are assigned by a member of the Agricultural Committee on a first-come, first-served basis.
Plots are roughly 18' x 25' and are in full sun.
Water is plentiful. Nearby are four rainwater collection tanks totalling 1,500 gallons.
Plots will be available in mid-May. The actual date will be published as soon as we have a schedule for the plots to be plowed and harrowed.
All plots should be planted by mid-June. Unplanted plots may be assigned to someone else.
The garden is not merely a collection of individual plots; it functions as a vibrant hub for community engagement. FOFAH utilizes events and ongoing projects to connect residents with the farm's mission. Gardeners often share the bounty with local food pantries, embodying the spirit of community giving. This shared endeavor fosters a deeper connection to the land and a better understanding of local food systems, encouraging sustainable living practices.
Becoming a part of the Hilltop Farm Community Garden is simple and rewarding. Residents can secure a plot by completing an application and agreeing to follow the established rules, which are designed to ensure a harmonious gardening experience for everyone. Plots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, with assignments typically finalized by mid-May to kick off the planting season.
Gardeners can secure their plots in one of two flexible ways:
The generous plot sizes at the Hilltop Farm Community Garden allow for a remarkable diversity of plantings, catering to both the practical gardener focused on food production and the enthusiast cultivating a variety of blooms. Common choices among plot holders include popular vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, beans, and leafy greens like lettuce and kale. Many gardeners also dedicate space to growing herbs, enhancing their culinary endeavors with fresh basil, parsley, cilantro, mint, and more. Beyond edibles, the garden is often dotted with colorful flowers, chosen for their beauty, ability to attract pollinators, or even for cutting gardens. This mix of plant types contributes to a vibrant ecosystem within the garden, supporting local bees and other beneficial insects while creating a visually appealing landscape. The ability to grow such a wide range of plants allows each gardener to personalize their plot and maximize their harvest within the supportive and fertile environment of Hilltop Farm.
For more detailed information, including rules and regulations, the application form, and how to get started, interested individuals should visit the Community Garden Plots page on the official Hilltop Farm website. Join the movement at Hilltop Farm and experience the joy of growing your own food while connecting with your neighbors and local history.
We are so excited to work with you! Volunteers are at the heart of our work with a wide range of opportunities from Saturday farm workdays, to serving on a committee, to sharing your expertise in helping with our various projects. People who make time in their day and in their lives to support us with their talent create a deep impact and we appreciate you.
