Bij Mei is a nature-friendly, organically certified self-picking farm and garden situated in Zoeterwoude, near Leiden, in the Netherlands. Operating on the principles of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), the farm focuses on cultivating a healthy soil ecosystem and enhancing biodiversity, strictly avoiding pesticides and artificial fertilizers.
The farm invites participants to contribute financially before the season, in return for a share of the weekly harvest. This fosters a sense of community and connection to local, sustainable agriculture.
Visitors to Bij Mei can self-pick a diverse range of fresh, seasonal produce:
- Vegetables: The selection includes well-known items like carrots, lettuce, and zucchini, as well as more unique seasonal offerings such as runner beans and palm cabbage (cavolo nero). The vegetable season typically runs from May to November.
- Flowers: A wide variety of organic cut flowers are available for self-picking weekly, from June until the first night frost, usually around the end of October.
Beyond harvesting, Bij Mei serves as an inspiring green meeting place, offering guided tours, workshops on biodiversity and sustainable farming, volunteer opportunities, harvest festivals, and educational programs. The farm is actively engaged in developing its natural environment, planting fruit trees and hedgerows, creating a toad pond, and fostering habitats to support wild bees and other pollinators, with long-term plans for a food forest and fruit orchard. The site comprises approximately 6000 m2 dedicated to vegetable cultivation and 1500 m2 to flowers.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm and garden consistently garners positive feedback for its delightful and relaxed atmosphere, providing visitors with the enjoyable experience of harvesting their own fresh, delicious, and responsibly grown organic vegetables and beautiful flowers. Reviewers frequently commend the friendly staff and volunteers, highlighting the pleasure of wandering through the garden and assembling a bouquet or selecting produce. The establishment also offers valuable insights into the principles and history of organic, pesticide-free gardening.
Despite these appealing aspects, a recurring concern among some visitors is the cost, which is often perceived as quite high. While the concept and location are generally appreciated for promoting health and enjoyment, the financial outlay for participation, including subscription fees and additional travel expenses due to its out-of-city location, leads some to view it as an expensive hobby rather than an economical source of food. A few also noted that the selection of fresh vegetables, while good, could sometimes be repetitive. Furthermore, one detailed review critically observed an asbestos roof over a bread/pizza oven, suggesting it was an incongruous element in an organic setting, and expressed a sentiment that the experience might not fully educate younger generations about the extensive labor involved in cultivating a garden, but rather present it as a paid recreational activity.