In Xincun Village, Yushu Town, Daoli District, Harbin, orderly plots of land are neatly arranged at the Beyond Picking Garden. This is not a traditional agritainment site, but a new cultural tourism project launched this year by Yushu Town that has quickly gained traction—the "Shared Mini Garden." Within less than a month of opening, nearly 50 of the initially planned garden plots have been reserved, far exceeding expectations.
Each plot measures 2.5 meters in width and 4.5 meters in length, totaling approximately 11 square meters—neither too large nor too small, just enough to supply vegetables for a family of three or four, while also allowing urban children to experience hands-on farm work. The manager of Beyond Picking Garden explained while showing the latest plot registration records.
Last year, Beyond Picking Garden gained popularity through fruit-picking activities featuring grapes and yellow peaches, building a considerable customer base and reputation. This year, the garden expanded its focus from "fruit baskets" to "vegetable baskets," introducing an innovative shared gardening project targeting families.
The "Shared Mini Garden" offers two flexible management models. For city residents with busy schedules who still wish to enjoy self-grown, trustworthy vegetables, a "full management" option is available. Under this model, professional gardeners at the garden handle all tasks—from sowing and watering to fertilizing and harvesting. Participants only need to visit on weekends or evenings to pick fresh, dew-covered vegetables and experience the satisfaction of harvesting their own produce.
For families eager to let their children connect with nature and experience farming, a "semi-management" model is offered. The garden provides the land, organic fertilizer, high-quality seedlings, and professional agricultural guidance, while parents and children carry out the entire process—from tilling the soil and planting seeds to watering, weeding, and harvesting—themselves.
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