Het Zoete Land is an ecological community garden located in Leiden, situated at the corner of Zoeterwoudsesingel and Cronesteinkade, next to the Trigon sports grounds. This publicly accessible farm operates on principles of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), focusing on producing healthy, local food and flowers in a nature-friendly way, aiming to make Leiden greener and healthier.
Individuals can participate in the farm in three main ways: as a harvest participant, a flower picker, or a volunteer.
Harvest participants can self-pick a diverse range of seasonal produce throughout the growing season, which typically runs from late April to early November. The items available for picking include:
- Vegetables: Turnip greens, rhubarb, carrots, tomatoes, beets, pointed cabbage, purslane, radicchio, Jerusalem artichoke, salsify, corn, wild garlic, arugula, Napa cabbage, spinach, zucchini, capuchin peas, chervil, kohlrabi, cavolo nero, and pumpkins.
- Herbs: Various herbs, including specific mentions of cinnamon basil.
- Fruit: Berries, strawberries, and other fruits.
- Edible Flowers: Also available for harvest.
Flower pickers have the opportunity to gather cut flowers weekly to assemble their own bouquets. The flower picking season generally spans from May or June into October. All produce and flowers are grown ecologically, without the use of artificial fertilizers or pesticides.
The farm is open for harvesting during the harvest season on Fridays from 9:00 to 14:00 and Saturdays from 9:00 to 13:00. Het Zoete Land is managed by organic gardener Jessica Zwartjes, supported by a team of volunteers and the Stichting Leiden Oogst (Leiden Harvest Foundation). The foundation is dedicated to fostering a healthy and sustainable food environment in the Leiden region, also managing another garden that supplies produce to the Leiden Food Bank. Due to high demand, there is currently a long waiting list for both harvest and flower picking memberships.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm or garden consistently receives glowing reviews, establishing itself as a beloved and unique city garden, often described as one of the nicest places in Leiden. Reviewers frequently highlight its beautiful appearance and the peaceful, green oasis it provides right in the city center. It is widely praised as an excellent initiative, valued for its educational and social contributions, and its popularity is clearly evident. Visitors commend the friendly staff, good organization, and the overall well-maintained nature of the harvest garden. Special features like the opportunity for participants to harvest their own vegetables and a charming barefoot path are also noted. The venue further impresses by successfully hosting events, with one reviewer enthusiastically recalling a memorable festival.