At Zelfoogsttuin de Proefvelden in Haren, you pick your own vegetables, herbs, fruit, flowers and mushrooms from late May until December. The farm grows a wide range of seasonal produce, including potatoes, strawberries, beans, courgettes, carrots, beetroot, various types of cabbage, spinach, lettuce, radishes, leeks, onions, pumpkins and herbs such as basil, parsley, mint, rosemary and thyme. There are also soft fruits like raspberries, blackberries, red and white currants, and flowers including marigolds.
The farm operates on a membership basis. You pay €325 a year, which allows you to harvest as much as you need for personal use during the season. Payment in instalments is possible. Members receive a weekly email with the harvest schedule, showing what is ready to pick. The farm provides tools like knives and scissors in the greenhouse, and you can bring your own containers. Harvesting is done carefully to avoid damaging plants, and only what is listed as ready may be picked.
The farm is open daily from 08.00 to 20.00, except on Sundays. It is wheelchair-accessible, with accessible parking and an entrance. The garden is run by three growers and supported by volunteers, and follows organic principles. Children are welcome, and the farm occasionally hosts harvest festivals for members. At full capacity, new members join a waiting list.
What visitors say
Gijs runs a pick-your-own farm where you can harvest seasonal, organic vegetables without packaging or long transport. The setup is straightforward—just grab what you need from the rows, and the produce is reliably fresh. Most visitors praise the quality and the low-key, helpful atmosphere, with Gijs himself often around to guide you. It’s a good spot for families, as kids can join in without much fuss. Prices are fair, though not dirt-cheap, and the focus is on what’s in season, so don’t expect the same selection year-round. A few mention it’s a pleasant place to spend time, not just a quick stop.