Moestuin de Haar is a self-harvest garden located on the historic production grounds near Kasteel de Haar in Utrecht. Spanning 1.5 hectares, the garden is cultivated using environmentally friendly methods according to the principles of biological agriculture, without the use of artificial fertilizers or pesticides. The garden operates as a community-supported agriculture (CSA) project, where a community of participants shares both the bounty and the risks of the harvest season.
Participants with a harvest share can pick a wide variety of produce directly from the field each week. The garden grows roughly 55 different types of vegetables, 15 varieties of herbs, soft fruit, and a large array of flowers. The harvest season generally runs from April through November, with about 30 weeks of picking expected per year. Flowers for bouquets can be picked from May through October, with a selection of over 40 types available depending on the month.
The garden is open to participants and visitors at the following times:
- Monday: 10:00 - 15:00
- Wednesday: 10:00 - 20:00 (from the start of May to 19:00)
- Friday: 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday: 10:00 - 15:00 It is closed on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
Additional offerings include a flower garden with a separate subscription for weekly or bi-weekly bouquets, educational workshops for schools and adults, group team-building outings, guided tours, and seasonal events. The garden is noted for being suitable for children and is run by a female entrepreneur.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm is consistently praised by visitors as a remarkable initiative for cultivating and offering fresh produce. Many describe the experience as profoundly relaxing and peaceful, with the walk to the garden itself enhancing this sense of calm. The garden itself is widely admired for being large, beautiful, well-maintained, and clearly organized. It provides a diverse selection of unsprayed vegetables, including unique varieties, as well as herbs, fruits, and flowers available for harvest.
An annual membership allows participants to regularly collect their own fresh produce, while visitors can also pick flowers on an occasional basis. The farm is particularly family-friendly, with children delighting in activities like using toy tractors to ‘assist’ with the harvest. Its scenic setting near Kasteel de Haar and Haarzuilens further enhances its appeal, making it an excellent destination for those enjoying a walk or bike ride in the area. While parking is readily available, it involves a short walk to reach the garden.
Beyond the harvesting experience, the farm cultivates a strong sense of community and offers rewarding volunteer opportunities. Volunteers value the flexible commitment, the chance to engage in outdoor physical activity, learn from experienced gardeners, and enjoy social interactions during coffee breaks and lunch. It’s regarded as an ideal way to reconnect with nature, gain insight into the origins of organic food, and find respite from daily routines or professional burnout. Educational programs, such as those for school groups, are also highlighted for their engaging and informative approach. Overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, though one sentiment suggests there is still room for the initiative to evolve into an even more comprehensive offering.