Buurttuin Zoete Aarde in Zoetermeer is a community garden where visitors can pick flowers, fruit and vegetables during the growing season, from April to October. The garden includes a flower-picking area, a berry patch, a vegetable garden and an orchard with pears. Honey from the garden’s bees is also available.

You pay for what you pick by weight or per bunch, depending on the crop. The garden shop sells produce grown on site, including fresh vegetables, jam, chutney and honey, and is open daily from 10.00 to 16.00. Coffee and tea are served on the terrace, and soup is available in the greenhouse every Wednesday.

The garden is run by volunteers and hosts regular activities, such as workshops, concerts and monthly markets. There is a play area for children, and the garden is wheelchair-accessible, with accessible parking and an entrance. The garden is open every day of the week during the season.

What visitors say

Visitors describe the farm as a cheerful, green spot in Zoetermeer where you can pick your own flowers, pears, and seasonal fruit like strawberries. The bloemenpluktuin is a highlight—many mention making their own bouquets, even late in the season. You’ll also find fresh vegetables, honey, and homemade jams for sale, often grown right there in the tuin. A few note that the selection depends on what’s in season, so don’t expect a full grocery list.

The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with friendly volunteers who help if needed. It’s a popular place for families: there’s a small playground, rabbits and chickens for kids to see, and simple activities like knutselen (crafts). Some come just for coffee and cake under the fruit trees, while others stay for soup on Wednesdays (€1.50) or a picnic. The toilets are clean, though a few find the play area worn or the ground uneven.

Most enjoy the mix of nature and community, though a couple mention it can feel crowded when events are on. One visitor was frustrated by the lack of an agenda outside Facebook. Prices are reasonable—bouquets and produce cost a small fee, and you pay by card or cash.

Facilities in this u-pick farm

Farm shop Farm shop

Hazelland 10

2.4 km — zuid-holland

Hazelland 10 in Zoeterwoude is a pick-your-own vegetable and herb garden run on agro-ecological principles. The farm grows vegetables, herbs, fruit and nuts in open ground, with no chemical pesticides or fertilisers. It operates as a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) scheme: instead of paying per kilo, you buy a share in the season’s harvest and pick your own produce each week. The picking season runs from May to November. You receive a weekly list of what is ready to harvest, then visit the farm on a day that suits you to gather your vegetables and herbs. Each share covers at least five different crops per week, with occasional extras such as flowers or wild herbs. Fruit from the farm’s production forest is not included in the share but is sometimes available to buy separately.

Voedselbos Benthuizen

3.8 km — zuid-holland

Voedselbos Benthuizen is a pick-your-own food forest near Benthuizen where visitors can harvest a variety of seasonal produce. The forest grows fruit, berries, nuts, herbs and vegetables, all cultivated without pesticides. What is available depends on the time of year, with different crops ripening from spring to autumn. Members receive a weekly email listing what is ready to pick. The farm operates on a membership basis. Annual membership costs €45 for individuals or €75 for two people from the same household. Members can harvest produce weekly, either independently or during guided harvest tours that show what is ripe and how to pick it. Prices for self-harvested produce match regular supermarket rates. Members also help with planting and maintenance during weekly workdays on Fridays and alternate Wednesdays from 10.00 to 13.30.

Bij Mei

7.3 km — zuid-holland

Bij Mei in Zoeterwoude is a pick-your-own vegetable and flower garden where visitors harvest their own organic produce directly from the field. The farm operates on a community-supported agriculture (CSA) model: you become a member for the season, paying in advance based on household size, and then pick your share of the harvest each week. The vegetable season runs from May to November, with around 28 weeks of picking. Members typically take home about five different vegetables per visit, ranging from familiar crops like carrots and courgettes to less common varieties such as palm kale and runner beans. Weekly harvest updates are sent by email to let members know what’s ready.

Landgoed Buitenleeft

9.1 km — zuid-holland

Landgoed Buitenleeft in Delft is a community-supported pick-your-own garden where visitors harvest seasonal vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruit. The main season runs from late April or early May until the end of October, depending on the weather. During this period, you can pick five different vegetables each week, chosen from what is ready to harvest. Common crops include beans, beets, cabbage, carrots and seasonal greens. The farm also has a herb spiral with around 60 edible and medicinal herbs, a small orchard with apples and pears, and a flower garden where cut flowers are sold in summer.