Buitenleeft is a green oasis located in the Delftse Hout area, near the city of Delft, dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle and connecting people with nature. It operates as a landgoed with various gardens and initiatives, including a self-picking garden, a flower garden, an herb garden, a fruit garden, and a nursery for perennial plants.
The core of Buitenleeft’s offering is its self-picking garden, where individuals can become “harvesters” through a subscription model. The harvesting season typically runs from late April/early May until the end of October, allowing members to pick fresh produce once a week on designated days (Thursday, Friday, or Saturday). All vegetables and herbs are grown locally in open ground, without the use of artificial fertilizers or pesticides, adhering to principles of sustainable agriculture.
Those who participate in the self-picking program can harvest a variety of produce, including:
- Vegetables: A wide range of seasonal vegetables such as green beans, chard, carrots, savoy cabbage, and cavolo nero.
- Herbs: Various culinary and medicinal herbs.
- Fruits: From the small apple and pear orchard, as well as soft fruits including strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
Beyond self-picking, Buitenleeft also features a flower garden where cut flower bouquets are prepared for sale, and a nursery, Buitenkweek, which cultivates nature-friendly and indigenous perennial garden plants. The estate also provides coaching and re-integration services through “Buitenwerkt,” leveraging the healing power of nature. Buitenleeft aims to be a vibrant community hub, offering various activities and workshops throughout the year, fostering environmental awareness and social connection.
What visitors say
Visitors consistently describe this self-picking farm as a truly special and wonderful place, offering a serene escape amidst nature, even within the bustling Randstad area. Many appreciate the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural environment, finding peace and a sense of calm while actively engaging with the earth.
The farm is highly praised for its pure, organic approach, allowing patrons to harvest their own fresh vegetables and purchase beautiful bouquets of organically grown flowers. It operates as a cherished community-supported agriculture (CSA) initiative, fostering a welcoming atmosphere where people enjoy working together and are valued for their contributions. Reviewers frequently highlight the friendly and mindful community that thrives here, emphasizing a collective appreciation for nature and each other. While regular vegetable packages are primarily available through ongoing memberships, the owner notes that loose vegetable sales are handled by a neighboring farm, indicating a collaborative approach to providing diverse local produce. One comment, though, mistakenly referred to it as a fishing spot, which the farm clarified is not its purpose, focusing instead on growing honest food.