Zelfoogsttuin Haren is a self-picking garden situated at Kerklaan 30 in Haren, offering visitors the opportunity to harvest their own organically grown vegetables, herbs, and flowers. The crops are cultivated naturally and in harmony with the environment. The self-picking season typically runs from April or May through December.
To participate, individuals must become members, receiving a weekly email that details the harvest agenda and specifies which crops are ready for picking. The garden provides tools like knives and scissors in the greenhouse, along with bags and boxes for produce. An annual membership costs €325, with payment by installments also available. Currently, the garden has reached its maximum capacity, but a waiting list is available for interested individuals.
The garden offers a diverse assortment of produce for self-picking throughout the year, including:
- Vegetables:
- Root & Tuber Vegetables: Potatoes, Beets, Carrots, Parsnips, Radishes, Turnips, Celeriac, Kohlrabi, Rutabaga, Hamburg Parsley.
- Leafy & Stem Vegetables: Swiss Chard, Lettuce (including mixed lettuce, lamb’s lettuce), Garden Orache, Chinese Cabbage, Mustard Greens, Rapini, Chicory (Groenlof), Endive, Arugula, Spinach, Bok Choy, Winter Purslane, Leeks, Rhubarb.
- Brassicas: Cauliflower, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Romanesco, Brussels Sprouts.
- Legumes: Snow Peas, Broad Beans, Garden Peas, Field Peas, Runner Beans, Green Beans.
- Fruiting Vegetables: Zucchini, Pumpkin, Corn, Fennel bulbs, Tomatoes (various), Snack Cucumbers, Standard Cucumbers, Gherkins, Green Peppers, Pointed Peppers, Eggplant.
- Alliums: Spring Onions, Shallots, Onions, Garlic.
- Fruits: Strawberries (including red and white/pineapple varieties), Raspberries, Red and White Currants, Blackberries.
- Herbs: Basil, Chives, Savory, Lemon Balm, Dill (leaves and seeds), Tarragon, Caraway Seeds, Chervil, Coriander (leaves and seeds), Lovage, Marjoram, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Fennel Seeds.
- Flowers: Marigolds.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm receives glowing reviews, consistently praised as a wonderful and beautiful place to visit. Central to its success is Gijs, the dedicated farmer and gardener, who is frequently described as fantastic and legendary for establishing such an exceptional self-harvesting garden. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to pick super fresh, organic, seasonal vegetables directly, noting the farm as an excellent example of sustainable practice in a populated area, minimizing packaging and transport. Many also find it a fun and engaging experience to help out at the garden.