U-pick farm het Proefveld

Zelfoogsttuin Het Proefveld is a pick-your-own garden located at Kerklaan 30 in Haren, where members harvest their own unsprayed vegetables, herbs, and flowers. The garden is run by a team of growers, a board, and volunteers, cultivating crops naturally and in harmony with the surrounding environment. The property features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking.

Members can pick a wide variety of produce from May through December, with the growing season generally running from April to December. The harvestable items change throughout the season and include: potatoes, strawberries, lettuce, (continues below) endive, beets, cauliflower, kale, blackberries, broccoli, snow peas, carrots, zucchini, peas, Swiss chard, rhubarb, radish, fennel, beans, pumpkin, leek, spinach, Brussels sprouts, onions, corn, parsnip, celeriac, and many more. A selection of herbs is also available, including basil, chives, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme, and coriander. Additional crops such as snack cucumbers, various tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and gherkins are grown in the greenhouses.

The garden’s business hours are Monday through Saturday from 08:00 to 20:00. It is closed on Sundays. Access to the garden and its harvest is for registered members only, and currently, the maximum number of participants has been reached, so interested individuals can join a waiting list.

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.

Facilities in this u-pick farm

Stichting De Blije Bodem

7.6 km — groningen

De Blije Bodem is a regenerative self-pick garden located in the Westpark in Groningen, easily reachable within a 10-minute bike ride from the city center. Established on a former industrial site, the garden has been transformed from poor soil into a flourishing, publicly accessible green oasis. It operates as a community-supported agriculture (CSA) initiative, where members help sustain the garden through a solidarity-based payment system, making healthy food affordable for everyone. Beyond food production, the garden serves as a space for community building, education, and biodiversity restoration, featuring seating areas, workshops, and educational signage.

Oogstland

9.9 km — drenthe

Oogstland is a regenerative community food garden located at the Esweg in Zuidlaren. The garden cultivates vegetables, herbs, and soft fruit using no-dig methods, avoiding pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. The focus is on strengthening soil life and biodiversity while fostering a connection between people, their food, and nature. The initiative operates on a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model, where members purchase a seasonal share to receive a portion of the harvest.

't Plukgeluk

12.4 km — groningen

’t Plukgeluk is a self-harvest garden located just outside Bedum, in Noordwolde. The garden operates on principles of self-sufficiency and respect for people, animals, and the environment. All produce is grown using organic methods, without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or other chemical substances. On Saturdays, visitors can come to the garden to pick and harvest a variety of organically grown vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs. On Wednesdays, the garden is also open for self-picking. These activities run seasonally, typically starting in late March or early spring through the autumn months. Throughout the year, a roadside stand is stocked daily with fresh produce from the farm, including eggs, and is available 24 hours a day.

Klein Alma

13.9 km — groningen

Tuinderij Klein Alma is a self-pick garden (zelfoogsttuin) located at the edge of Bedum. It operates as a community-supported agriculture (CSA) initiative, where members purchase a seasonal share and come weekly to harvest their own vegetables. The farm uses environmentally friendly methods: all seeds, plants, and compost are of biological origin, no chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers are used, and efforts are made to support soil health and biodiversity through hedges, flower strips, and the eventual addition of fruit trees. The farm shop sells fresh vegetables, dried goods, and sometimes flowers, and is also a sales point for BioKultura potting soil, garden soil, compost, and plant-based fertilizer granules. The business is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 13 reviews and is listed as suitable for children.