Pluktuin Uden is a self-picking garden located on the Hooistraat in Uden, founded by urban farmer Yvonne Ree. The garden operates on a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model, allowing subscribers to harvest fresh produce directly from the plants. It is committed to environmental sustainability, utilizing biologically certified starting materials and cultivating with profound respect for the soil and biodiversity, free from pesticides or artificial fertilizers.
The farm offers a broad selection of produce for self-picking. Subscribers can gather from over 85 different varieties of vegetables, which include creamy yellow potatoes, crisp lettuce, a diverse range of tomatoes (such as the unique Peruvian purslane), green asparagus, groenlof, summer purslane, zucchini, pointed cabbage, and kohlrabi. For small fruits, the garden yields red, white, black, and pink berries, gooseberries, honeyberries, grapes, Japanese wineberries, raspberries, kiwiberries, and strawberries. The extensive herb garden features more than 80 different herbs, suitable for culinary applications, healthful teas, and, with expert guidance, for preparing medicinal ointments or tinctures. Additionally, the garden cultivates beautiful, often edible flowers, grown naturally for decorative purposes and to attract beneficial insects, while also offering unexpected flavors like the nutty blossoms of overgrown cabbage or chive flowers.
Beyond harvesting, Pluktuin Uden provides a serene space for relaxation, education, and community engagement. It organizes open days with markets, offers workshops, and shares recipes featuring its produce. The garden also serves as a pick-up point for products from other local farms, fostering a wider network of sustainable agriculture. Plans are in place to introduce beehives in the upcoming season. Membership is available seasonally, with various options for individuals and families, promoting a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.
What visitors say
This community garden and self-picking farm operates on a membership basis, offering patrons the chance to harvest their own fresh, organic vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Run by “Stadsboerin Yvonne” and her husband, the farm is highly regarded for its dedication to environmentally friendly, biological cultivation, providing healthy, local food. It serves as a vibrant community hub, engaging volunteers—including retirees—and offering reintegration opportunities and internships for future organic growers. The farm also hosts local markets where homemade products can be sold and facilitates educational initiatives, with local schoolchildren learning about food cultivation. Many visitors appreciate the fresh produce, the convenient parking, and describe the people involved as friendly and patient.
However, not all experiences are positive. Several complaints highlight significant issues, particularly concerning promotions offered via platforms like Social Deal. Customers have reported being misled about opening hours and reservation requirements, sometimes traveling with young children only to be turned away and told to return another day or week. A recurring problem involves the farm’s alleged refusal to honor single-person subscriptions for households, demanding multiple purchases for families despite the terms of the deal. Reviewers also describe the owner as lacking empathy, being argumentative, and making visitors feel distinctly unwelcome, leading to strong recommendations to avoid the farm due to a perceived lack of respect for customers.