Bij Mei is a nature-friendly, certified organic self-pick farm in Zoeterwoude, located just a short distance from Leiden. Operating as a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiative, the farm cultivates vegetables and flowers without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, focusing on soil health and biodiversity. Participants in the farm support the growing season in advance and, in return, share in the weekly harvest.
The self-pick vegetable season runs from May through November, with members harvesting an average of about five different vegetables per week. The selection includes familiar produce such as carrots, lettuce, and zucchini, as well as more unusual varieties like runner beans and kale. The self-pick flower season typically starts in June and continues until the first frost, usually around the end of October. During this time, members can come weekly to pick a bouquet of seasonal, field-grown blooms. Day visitors can also purchase a single pluck card or a multi-visit strip card to pick flowers.
In addition to the core produce, the farm hosts various events, including guided tours, workshops on biodiversity and sustainable agriculture, communal workdays, harvest festivals, and seasonal farm dinners. The farm is also home to a foundation dedicated to improving biodiversity and fostering community connections.
Based on the farm’s business directory listing, it is open to visitors on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
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.