Vrijhof Oostwaard

Utrecht Natuurlijk operates a network of city farms and gardens across Utrecht, dedicated to nature education, sustainable food production, and community engagement. Several of these locations offer visitors the chance to pick their own produce and flowers. At Stadstuin Zuilen, located in northern Utrecht, individuals can harvest their own vegetables from the “oogsttuin” (harvest garden) during the growing season, which typically runs from May to October. Additionally, the “bloemenpluktuin” (flower picking garden) allows visitors to gather their own bouquets of flowers, usually available from mid-June on Sundays. This garden is open year-round, and a garden café, open from May to October, also sells seasonal produce from its beds on weekends.

This network of urban farms and gardens, known as Utrecht Natuurlijk, offers various green spaces and activities across Utrecht, the Netherlands. These locations serve as community hubs for nature education, sustainable food production, and recreational activities for all ages. Visitors can engage in self-picking at several of these locations. They can pick their own flowers at Stadstuin Zuilen (from mid-June on Sundays, bring own scissors), Kasteeltuin Nijevelt (Friday and Saturday mornings during summer months), Stadstuin Food for Good (mid-June to end October), Stadstuin Kanaalweg (for a small fee when available), Stadstuin Klopvaart (from late June), and Steede Hoge Woerd (during summer). Seasonal vegetables are available for self-harvest at Stadstuin Zuilen (May to October on Fridays). Additionally, at Kasteeltuin Nijevelt and Stadstuin Food for Good, visitors may be able to gather their own vegetables, herbs, and fruits by asking staff. Stadstuin Klopvaart offers self-harvesting of vegetables and herbs from its harvest garden after consultation, and Stadstuin Plutodreef sometimes allows visitors to pick their own vegetables and herbs by inquiring with the staff. Stadstuin Kanaalweg also features a food forest that grows large and small fruits and mushrooms.

Utrecht Natuurlijk operates eleven green locations across Utrecht, including five city farms and six city gardens. These sites are open to the public, offering a range of activities, nature education, and opportunities to connect with animals and local food production. Many locations feature farm shops or cafes selling fresh, local produce. For those interested in self-picking, several city gardens provide this experience: At Stadstuin Klopvaart, visitors can pick beautiful bouquets of flowers for a fee from the flower picking garden, typically available from late June. It may also be possible to harvest some vegetables and herbs after consultation with staff. Kasteeltuin Nijevelt allows self-picking of flowers on Friday and Saturday mornings during the summer, and visitors can ask staff about gathering their own seasonal vegetables, fruit, and herbs. Stadstuin Food for Good offers self-picking flowers from mid-June to the end of October, and harvesting of vegetables, fruit, and herbs can be arranged upon request. Stadstuin Kanaalweg provides organic flowers and certain herbs for self-picking at a small cost when they are in season. At Stadstuin Plutodreef, self-harvesting of vegetables and herbs is occasionally possible, requiring prior inquiry with staff. Finally, Stadstuin Zuilen invites visitors to self-pick vegetables from its harvest garden every Friday from May to October, and also offers a flower picking garden open on Sundays from mid-June for creating personal bouquets. What visitors say This expansive urban garden in Utrecht, nestled in the Overvecht neighborhood, is widely cherished as a beautiful and well-maintained green oasis. Visitors consistently praise its stunning grounds, which feature charming winding paths, often covered with wood chips, making it an ideal destination for families with young children to explore and learn about nature.

This network of urban farms and gardens across Utrecht offers a variety of green experiences for visitors of all ages. It features five city farms and six city gardens, each contributing to a greener, healthier, and more sustainable city environment. Visitors can enjoy interacting with farm animals such as pigs, goats, sheep, cows, chickens, rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, birds, and cats. Some locations host rare agricultural breeds like Frisian dairy sheep and Blaarkop cattle. The sites also provide natural playgrounds for children to explore, climb, and engage in imaginative play, some even equipped with accessible features. Educational programs and workshops focus on nature, gardening, sustainable food production, and animal welfare.

Moestuin de Haar is a 1.5-hectare self-picking garden established on the historical production grounds of Kasteel de Haar. Operating on the principles of community-supported agriculture (CSA), it invites participants to purchase an annual harvest share, granting them weekly access to harvest fresh vegetables, small fruits, herbs, and flowers during the growing season. The garden is committed to biological farming, prioritizing biodiversity, seasonal cultivation, and maintaining healthy soil without the use of artificial fertilizers or pesticides. This approach aims to provide wholesome food while contributing positively to the environment. Moestuin de Haar also functions as a vibrant community hub, offering various activities such as harvest festivals, workshops, and educational programs for schools. It serves as an inspiring location for team outings and teambuilding, and volunteers are actively involved in its upkeep.

Geertje’s Hoeve Haarzuilens is an experiential farm located near Utrecht, dedicated to making farm life tangible for visitors of all ages. The farm features goats and pigs, an on-site cheesemaking facility, a farm shop, and a lunch restaurant. Visitors can engage directly with the farm’s produce through self-picking opportunities. From July through September, guests can pick their own bouquets of biological flowers from the farm’s fields on specific weekend mornings. Additionally, the farm hosts potato harvest days in mid-August, providing a chance for guests to collect their own potatoes. While pumpkins and courgettes are grown on the farm and sold in the shop, self-picking is not explicitly mentioned for these, though pumpkin carving workshops are available in autumn.