De Moestuin Maarschalkerweerd is a biological farm and garden located in Utrecht, dedicated to providing a green space for community engagement and social impact. It operates as a social enterprise, offering activation and learning-work programs to individuals who are seeking to re-enter the labor market.
Visitors to the farm have the opportunity for self-picking during the harvest season, which runs from approximately April to December. Those with a self-picking subscription can typically harvest 4-5 different types of vegetables and fruits each week. The extensive vegetable garden cultivates over 50 varieties, including capuchin peas, lettuce, beans, palm cabbage, tomatoes, sweetcorn, Jerusalem artichokes, and pumpkins. For fruits, strawberries, red currants, blackberries, black currants, and raspberries are available for picking in season. The farm also features apple, pear, cherry, and quince trees, as well as grapes and figs grown in a greenhouse. Additionally, a dedicated flower field allows visitors to gather their own bouquets, with a colorful selection of blooms such as dahlias, sunflowers, cornflowers, safflower, marigolds, coreopsis, amaranth, wild carrot, summer asters, liquorice plant, snapdragons, verbena, flax, sweet pea, knotweed, love-in-a-mist, and cosmos typically flourishing from July to September. A diverse herb garden boasts 75 types of culinary, medicinal, and dye herbs.
Beyond the fields, the farm features a lunch café with a terrace that serves biological and seasonal dishes, and a shop offering fresh produce from the garden, homemade baked goods, and local products. The location also hosts various events, parties, and meetings in its greenhouse, known as “De Oranjerie.” For younger visitors, there is a playground, a petting zoo with goats, pigs, chickens, and rabbits, and educational programs focused on sustainable food practices. The farm also maintains a beehive, contributing to the pollination of its crops and producing local honey.
What visitors say
Nestled as a verdant oasis within the city of Utrecht, this self-picking farm and garden is widely celebrated for its unique concept and welcoming ambiance. It stands out as a highly child-friendly destination, offering extensive play areas with various ride-on toys, playgrounds, and even a water pump for muddy fun, allowing parents to relax while children are entertained. The presence of farm animals further enhances the family appeal.
A key highlight is the culinary experience, which features a completely vegetarian menu with abundant organic and vegan options, often utilizing fresh produce directly from the on-site garden and greenhouses. Diners consistently praise the delicious and healthy food, noting highlights like flavorful soups, excellent plant-based cakes, and popular kimchi toasties. Many appreciate the pure, lovingly prepared dishes, with some even stating that it’s enjoyable for meat-eaters too. The friendly, attentive staff, often part of a social enterprise, contribute significantly to the relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.
Beyond dining, visitors enjoy strolling through the beautiful gardens, exploring the greenhouses, and utilizing the on-site organic shop, which offers fresh produce, dairy, and other biological products. The location is also recognized as a versatile venue suitable for various gatherings, from casual lunches to business meetings and even weddings, with ample (mostly free) parking available.
However, a few areas for improvement have been noted. The QR code ordering and self-pickup system, while convenient for some, is criticized by others for detracting from the charm and being less user-friendly, especially given the perceived higher prices for certain items like toasties or small pastries. Service can occasionally be slow or inconsistent, particularly during busy periods, leading to long waits for food. Furthermore, some of the children’s play equipment is reported to be in disrepair, and the general cleanliness of high chairs was mentioned. While the atmosphere is generally peaceful, it can become quite noisy when large groups of families are present, and the acoustics in the greenhouse are not always ideal for meetings. One reviewer also expressed disappointment over the recent introduction of livestock, feeling it contradicted the farm’s green image.