Buurtboerderij Nieuweweg is an ecological self-picking farm and community hub located in Haarlem. It aims to connect people with each other and the food they grow, emphasizing healthy and fair eating. The farm is open for visits on Sundays from 12:00 to 17:00.
Through a “Harvest Subscription” (Oogst abonnement), members can self-pick a wide variety of seasonal vegetables, herbs, and fruit for approximately 35 weeks, from April to November. A weekly harvest list is provided via email and at the farm, and members can choose when to visit. The farm employs natural methods to manage pests and stimulate biodiversity, strictly avoiding chemical pesticides.
The self-pickable produce includes:
- Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, cucumbers, lettuce, various types of cabbage (such as kohlrabi, Swiss chard, turnip greens, and winter purslane), pumpkins, and beets.
- Herbs: A diverse range of herbs.
- Fruit: Various seasonal fruits.
In addition to self-picking, the farm offers other initiatives such as an “Egg Subscription” for collecting fresh eggs from ecologically maintained chickens (though currently sold out). It also features social programs like the “Warm Heart Subscription,” which allows individuals to donate a harvest subscription to those in need, and the “Green Heart Subscription” for supporting the farm monthly.
Buurtboerderij Nieuweweg is a vibrant cultural and educational center. It hosts regular events and festivals that blend sustainable agriculture with art and culture, offering performances, workshops (e.g., cooking, natural pigments, yoga, archery), communal meals, film screenings, and lectures. A monthly “Neighborhood Kitchen” serves two-course vegetarian dinners prepared with farm-fresh ingredients. Educational workshops and learning programs are also provided for primary school children, focusing on ecological urban farming, biodiversity, healthy eating, and artistic expression. The farm operates with fixed staff, volunteers, and school children, utilizing circular practices like using sheep’s wool and wood chips for their growing beds.
What visitors say
This urban farm consistently receives glowing reviews, with visitors frequently describing it as a truly welcoming and exceptional destination, even labeling it as their “favorite place” or “paradise on earth.” It’s highly celebrated for its delicious, fresh, and healthy vegetables and herbs, which guests love to harvest themselves. This hands-on experience not only provides superior produce, often noted as surpassing supermarket quality, but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the hard work involved in food production. The dedicated owners, Ruben and Sarai, are particularly praised for their loving care, ensuring a direct “soil to plate” connection.
Beyond its produce, the farm serves as a vibrant community hub, warmly described as an “asset to the neighborhood.” It offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a range of activities including engaging workshops, community barbecues, and simply enjoying the outdoors. Families especially value the experience, with children having a wonderful time playing and feeding the chickens. The farm actively strives to unite the community, welcoming individuals of all ages and inspiring a stronger connection to nature and sustainable living. Visitors often comment on the flexibility of visiting hours and the ease of communication for planning purposes, further enhancing the positive experience.