Sophia’s Tuin is an organic market garden located in Oosterhout/Dorst, dedicated to cultivating and selling fresh, healthy, organic produce. The farm adheres strictly to organic farming principles, abstaining from artificial fertilizers and pesticides, and is certified by SKAL. There are plans for a transition to biodynamic farming by 2026. The core philosophy of Sophia’s Tuin emphasizes a deep connection between the soil, food, the business, the environment, its customers, and the farmers, focusing on nurturing healthy soil to yield truly nutritious food.
The garden provides several avenues for acquiring its products and other organic goods:
- On-site farm shop: The shop is open on Wednesdays from 13:00 to 18:00 and Saturdays from 9:30 to 15:30. Here, customers can purchase the farm’s own fresh organic vegetables and fruits. The shop also broadens its selection with organic products sourced from local partners, including items like potatoes, various cheeses, dairy products, meat, bread, eggs, mushrooms, and a range of dry goods. Should a particular vegetable be growing in the fields but not yet in the shop, staff are available to harvest it upon request.
- Vegetable boxes (Groentekrat): Customers can opt for a weekly subscription or flexible single orders of these boxes, which are thoughtfully filled with 5-7 seasonal organic vegetables. The aim is to provide a diverse selection, featuring over 50 different types of vegetables throughout the year.
- Webshop: An online shop allows for ordering a wide array of organic vegetables, fruits, cheeses, meats, and other organic provisions. Orders can be placed from Monday to Thursday and are available for pick-up at the farm shop, various regional collection points, or through home delivery in specific areas.
For those seeking a direct, immersive experience, Sophia’s Tuin offers a self-picking garden for flowers and herbs. Visitors are welcome to pick their own bouquets of flowers and a variety of culinary, medicinal, or aromatic herbs. This self-picking opportunity is available seasonally, typically from June to the end of October, coinciding with the farm shop’s opening hours.
Beyond its role as a food producer, Sophia’s Tuin serves as a vibrant center for personal and community engagement, offering opportunities for volunteers, running educational school garden programs, and operating as a recognized learning-workplace for interns. The farm is also actively engaged in a crowdfunding campaign to acquire and preserve an additional 2.5 hectares of land, aiming to safeguard it for future generations of sustainable, organic, and biodynamic farming practices.
What visitors say
Sophia’s Garden, an organic farm and shop, consistently receives high praise from visitors for its exceptional quality and diverse range of products. Patrons frequently highlight the abundance of fresh, delicious, and healthy organic vegetables and fruits, many sourced directly from the farm’s own beautiful garden, available year-round and seasonally. Beyond standard produce, the selection extends to specialties like bread, soups, coffee beans, and even vegetarian burgers, all catering to a wholesome lifestyle.
The location itself is described as a pleasant oasis, offering a serene and natural environment that transforms shopping into an enjoyable outing. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to explore the picturesque picking garden, filled with vibrant flowers like dahlias, alongside thriving crops.
A recurring theme in reviews is the outstanding team. Staff members are consistently lauded as friendly, helpful, enthusiastic, and passionate about nature, readily sharing their knowledge. Sophia’s Garden also plays a commendable social role, offering opportunities for volunteers to engage in gardening and reintegrate into work processes, and has even been noted for preparing healthy meals from its produce for those assisting. While prices may be slightly higher due to the organic nature and superior quality, customers unanimously agree it’s a fair exchange for the value received. This unique regional gem, nestled in a wooded hamlet between Dorst and Oosterhout, offers excellent service and is highly recommended for anyone seeking quality, sustainability, and a delightful experience in their food choices.