Our philosophy

We grow food for people,  directly, honestly, and with a positive impact on our surroundings. De Stadsgroenteboer is a place of exploration, experimentation, and inclusion, where we farm in close relationship with our community and the land.

On less than one hectare, we grow a surprising diversity of vegetables using bio-intensive methods. By planting densely and succession-planting throughout the season, we make careful and efficient use of space, without pushing the land beyond its limits.

Alongside caring for nature, we also care for our team, because the people working the land are just as important as the land itself.

Light tools, careful cultivatoin

We prepare most beds with a broadfork, loosening the soil without disturbing its layers and protecting the life within it. Where needed, we use a small two-wheel tractor, light machinery that avoids soil compaction. We never deep-plough, and only work the topsoil when necessary.

Most days, you’ll find us working with simple hand tools: hoes, rakes, and a lot of attention.

How we grow

Healthy soil is the foundation of everything we do. We focus on building fertility over time using compost, green manures, mulches, and methods inspired by natural systems. Our goal is not just to maintain the soil, but to leave it healthier year after year.

Compost, biodiversity & closed cycles

We don’t use synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides. Instead of treating symptoms, we aim to create conditions where plants can grow strong and resilient.

Crop diversity, flowers, shrubs, and healthy soil life support pollinators and natural predators. We produce part of our own compost and are steadily increasing the use of green manures, with the goal of closing nutrient cycles and reducing external inputs.

Trust instead of certification

We are not organically certified. We believe that knowing who grows your food, and being able to visit, ask questions, and see the farm yourself, matters more than a label.

You’re always welcome to come by. We consider your trust and appreciation our certification.