De Gagelgaard Utrecht operates as a self-picking garden, offering a direct and sustainable way to obtain fresh produce. Members can purchase a harvest share for 435 euros, which grants them weekly access to the garden to pick their own vegetables and herbs from May through December. This initiative emphasizes local, sustainably grown food, cultivated directly from the earth without supermarket intervention or extensive transport chains.
The garden is managed by gardener Mark Verhoef, who oversees the cultivation of the produce. It is designed as a beautiful, biodiverse space intended to be a natural food landscape, enriching the urban environment with plants, flowers, insects, and birds, while also serving as a place for learning and community engagement.
Located at Gageldijk 3, Utrecht, on the edge of Overvecht, the Gagelgaard is part of Tuincentrum Steck, a vibrant “Stadsoase” (City Oasis). This location also hosts other sustainable businesses, including Tuincafé Noordertuin, Kwekerij Stekkers, and a flower picking garden, providing visitors with additional amenities and a space to relax after harvesting.
There is currently a waiting list for harvest shares in 2026. The experience encourages a connection with nature, promoting a hands-on approach to food cultivation and an appreciation for seasonal living.