Groen aan de Gaasp is a self-picking garden and developing food forest situated in Amsterdam Zuidoost, adjacent to the Gaasperplas. It operates on a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model, inviting individuals to become ‘harvesters’ by purchasing a seasonal share, which supports the farm and provides access to fresh, local produce.
The garden is dedicated to natural, organic cultivation, completely free from pesticides and artificial fertilizers. Its core mission is to enhance biodiversity and improve soil health through ‘Succession Agriculture’ and agroforestry principles, gradually transforming from an annual vegetable plot into a diverse, multi-layered food forest.
Harvesters can pick their own seasonal produce on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, between 10:30 and 18:00. The typical picking season runs from late April/early May until late November, though for 2025, it will commence in July and conclude in November. Participants should bring a sharp knife, bags or boxes for their harvest, and suitable footwear.
The diverse range of produce available for self-picking includes:
- Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, chard.
- Herbs: Parsley, dill, coriander, chervil, lovage.
- Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, parsnip, celeriac.
- Allium Vegetables: Garlic, leek, spring onion.
- Cabbage Family (Brassicas): Kale, broccoli, cauliflower.
- Legumes: Various green beans and dry beans.
- Other: Fennel, corn, pumpkin.
As the food forest develops, it will expand to offer various types of fruit, nuts, and berries.
The farm employs a solidarity-based pricing structure for shares, allowing members to contribute according to their financial capacity to ensure accessibility for the entire community. Beyond direct participation, the project can also be supported through donations or by sponsoring a fruit tree, nut tree, or berry bush.
This initiative is driven by a team with expertise in ecology, permaculture, and organic farming, aiming to establish a circular farming system, create an accessible green space for the community, and serve as a hub for sharing knowledge through an Urban Agriculture Academy. The soil at the location has been tested and confirmed to be clean and safe.
What visitors say
Visitors consistently rave about this self-picking farm, describing it as an exceptional Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) experience. Participants appreciate the opportunity to harvest their own fresh, local, unsprayed, and affordable seasonal vegetables directly from the land on a weekly basis. The produce is consistently praised for its delicious taste, and beautiful flowers are also available. The founders, noted for their extensive experience in running such farms, have created a truly enjoyable environment, with many finding pleasure not only in the high-quality harvest but also in the hands-on process of picking. Known as ‘Groen aan de Gaasp’ and located near the Gaasperplas, the concept itself is regarded as wonderful.