This city garden operates as a self-picking farm located within the NoordOogst urban agriculture project in Amsterdam-Noord. It comprises a 4000 m2 vegetable garden and a 2000 m2 food forest, cultivating produce using natural methods, without artificial fertilizers or pesticides, and with a strong focus on ecological health.
Members can visit weekly, from April to November, to harvest their own vegetables, fruits, and herbs from sunrise to sunset. The farm encourages harvesting “as needed” for household consumption. Occasionally, members can also pick a small bouquet of flowers.
The diverse range of produce available for self-picking includes:
- Vegetables: Potatoes, Jerusalem artichoke, endive, beets, leaf mustard, celery, kale, Swiss chard, broccoli, broccoli sprouts, Chinese cabbage, wild garlic, daylily, Brussels sprouts, carrots, lamb’s lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, leek, beans, cavolo nero, peas, sorrel, and dill.
- Fruits: Redcurrant, strawberry, apple, eggplant, blackberries, raspberries, Japanese wineberry, blackcurrant, gooseberry, pear, dogwood, sea buckthorn, figs, honeyberry, and pawpaw.
- Herbs: Basil, chives, savory, lemon balm, and Szechuan pepper.
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts.
- Other edible plants like Chinese mahogany and creeping bugleweed are also grown.
Operating on a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model, members pay a seasonal subscription fee, supporting the farm’s operations and sharing in the bounty and occasional risks of the harvest. Different subscription tiers are available, including discounted options for low-income individuals, fostering an inclusive community. Children under 12 can pick for free, and there are reduced rates for those aged 12-18, aiming to connect younger generations with their food sources.
Beyond self-picking, the farm offers various activities such as workshops on cultivation planning, fruit pruning (for small fruits, apples, and pears), composting, identifying edible perennial plants, and permaculture. It also hosts guided tours of its vegetable garden and food forest, educational events for children, and serves as a neighborhood compost collection point, promoting a resilient edible ecosystem and a vibrant community hub.
What visitors say
The Noordoogst urban garden is regarded as a delightful place to visit. While the grounds may still appear a bit untidy, visitors find it enjoyable to explore and discover its various offerings. Its relatively undiscovered nature is often highlighted as a positive aspect, contributing to a pleasant and serene atmosphere. Many enjoy frequenting the market held there, and some even express a strong desire to cultivate their own small garden plot on the premises in the near future.