Frequently asked questions
1. How do I get a veggie box?
Sign up for our CSA Harvest or Flexi Harvest here . Once registered, you’ll receive a seasonal box of fresh veggies from our farm at your chosen pickup point or delivered to your address.
2. Can I get the veggie box without joining the cooperative?
Yes, if you get the CSA Harvest box or Flexi Box without joining the cooperative at the standard price.
Membership is required only to get the box at the solidarity price of €89 or €99. You can find out more information about the benefits of joining the co-op here.
3. Is there a waiting list for the veggie boxes?
No, you can join at any time of the year, we always have enough veggies to feed everyone.
However, some pick-up locations have limited capacity, which is why we ask you to select an alternative option when placing your first order, in case the storage on that location is at capacity.
You can check your nearest pick up location here.
And you can sign up to a harvest box here.
4. What kind and how much veggies are in the box?
Each share is designed for a two-person household or one person who cooks a lot with fresh vegetables. On average, the box weighs about 5 kg, lighter in summer with more leafy greens, and heavier in winter with root vegetables and potatoes. The contents change with the seasons and weather, so variety and quantities can vary from week to week.
You can check more information on what we are growing each season on our Shop Page.
Photos of the current box are shared weekly on Instagram. Sign up to our newsletter, or follow our socials to be up to date on the latest crops.
5. Is there fruit included in the box?
Sometimes you can expect fruit in your veggies box.
We grow apples, and in a good harvest year you’ll find them in your veggie box during autumn and winter, fresh or as delicious pressed juice.
6. Is all produce biocyclic and vegan?
Since day one we follow biocyclic-vegan principles and have been officially certified since June 2021. As our community grew, so did our fields. It takes three years for the land to be classified as organic. Today, almost all of our own fields are converted to biocyclic-vegan farming.
Exceptions may be our apples or apple juice, because the cider mill is usually not certified as organic.
When we are collaborating with other farms, their products may be classified as organic (and not vegan) or “conventional”. These products are either available as an add-on or are clearly described in our weekly veggie newsletter. You can sign up in the footer.
7. Is the Harvest box suitable for families with children?
Yes! Our seasonal harvest box is perfect for families. It makes healthy eating easy, fun, and full of variety. Kids love discovering where their food comes from, and are often more excited to try new veggies when they’ve seen them fresh from the farm.
Parents enjoy having a box full of inspiration for quick, seasonal meals without the stress of shopping. Cooking together, exploring new produce, or visiting the farm becomes a meaningful way to connect as a family while supporting sustainable farming and teaching values around food, nature, and community.
8. Are there different box sizes?
At the moment, we offer one standard box size. This helps us plan, harvest, pack, and deliver efficiently while keeping the process simple, sustainable, and affordable for everyone. Offering multiple sizes would add extra costs to harvest and logistics — without much difference in price, but with noticeably fewer veggies.
That said, our Flexi Harvest subscription gives you the freedom to tailor the rhythm to your household’s needs. With a bi-weekly delivery option, you’ll have more time to enjoy your veggies before the next box arrives, perfect for smaller families, couples, or anyone who prefers a slower pace of cooking and eating fresh.
Many members also share their box with friends, neighbours, or family — a great way to enjoy local produce, reduce waste, and stay connected to the community.
9. How can I store my vegetables so they stay fresh longer?
Storing your veggies the right way helps them last longer and taste better. Here are some easy tips:
- Leafy greens: Keep them in a damp cloth or reusable bag in the fridge.
- Root vegetables: Store in a cool, dark, and dry place (like a pantry or cellar).
- Herbs: Place them upright in a glass of water, like flowers, they’ll stay crisp and aromatic for days. Many herbs can be dried, which makes them last longer.
- Tomatoes, pumpkins, and onions: Prefer room temperature, don’t refrigerate.
Good storage means less waste, fresher meals, and more value from every box.
10. What can I do if I have more vegetables than I can use?
It’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed at first, especially if this is your first CSA box! The good news is, there are plenty of ways to enjoy and use every bit of your harvest:
- Cook creatively: Most veggies are versatile, roast, sauté, blend into soups, or toss into stir-fries and curries.
- Preserve the surplus: Freeze, pickle, or dry your extras. Zucchini, beans, and herbs freeze beautifully; tomatoes and cucumbers make great pickles or sauces.
- Share the abundance: Gift a portion to friends, neighbours, or colleagues, it’s a lovely way to spread the freshness and avoid waste.
11. What is the veggie letter?
The veggie newsletter is your weekly guide to everything happening at PlantAge, and the perfect companion to your veggie box! Each week, you’ll receive updates about the cooperative, tips on storing and using your vegetables, and plenty of delicious recipes.
We also share insights into how your food is grown, respond to community questions, and are transparent about anything that didn’t go as planned in the field.
The newsletter is posted in the Signal group for your pickup station, but if you’d prefer to receive it by email, just let us know. It’s one of our main channels for announcements, important updates, and information about the harvest — so reading it helps you get the most out of your weekly share.
12. Can I share feedback or make requests for my box?
Yes, we love hearing your feedback! It helps us make the boxes better for everyone. You can share your thoughts in our weekly survey (linked in the Signal group and newsletter) or email us anytime (info@plantage.farm).
Please remember that our selection depends on what’s in season and growing conditions, so while we can’t meet every request, we always do our best to keep your box varied, fresh, and delicious.
1. How does payment work?
The costs for cultivation, logistics, wages, seeds, and more are shared collectively and recalculated each season.
- CSA Harvest Box: Billing is done monthly, either at the time of your first order or on the 15th of the month, via Stripe or SEPA through PlantAge eG. For long-term customers, we prefer SEPA billing directly to reduce transaction fees. If your first delivery starts mid-month and the month has already been fully billed, that partial month won’t be charged. Over the course of a year, you receive 46 deliveries for a total of 12 x €109.
- Flexi Harvest Box: The first delivery is invoiced when you place your order. Subsequent deliveries are billed weekly via Stripe or monthly via SEPA. Long-term customers can also be billed directly via SEPA to save on transaction fees.
Please avoid making separate advance transfers and make sure there are sufficient funds in your account on the due date. If a direct debit fails, any bank fees will be added to the original amount (depending on the bank 2,50-7,50€).
2. What is the difference between the harvest contract and the cooperative membership contract?
These are two separate contracts:
Harvest contract: This is the agreement for your veggie box. You enter into it by purchasing either the CSA Harvest Box or the Flexi Harvest Box (see Shop for details). Signing this contract alone does not make you a member of the cooperative.
Cooperative membership: By becoming a member of PlantAge eG, you join our community and support our mission long-term.
Membership begins once your application is approved. It’s required if you want to receive the box at the solidarity price of €89 or €99 per month. If you prefer to pay the standard price of €109 per month, membership is optional. Until your membership is confirmed, your harvest contract remains valid.
Both contracts need to be signed or cancelled individually.
3. How do I pause my subscription?
If you need a break from your veggie box, you can use a “Joker” to skip a week:
CSA Harvest Box: You get 4 Jokers per contract year. These are already included in the price. Let us know by Sunday 23:59 before your delivery week. You can skip more than 4 weeks, but extra skipped boxes won’t be refunded. Any unused Jokers are charged as extra boxes at a fraction of the monthly price.
Flexi Harvest Box: You can use unlimited Jokers, just use your Joker to pause your delivery by Sunday 23:59 before the delivery.
This makes it easy to take a holiday or deal with busy weeks.
4. Are there delivery/holiday pauses by PlantAge?
Yes, our team takes a winter break for two weeks around Christmas and New Year.
At certain times of the year, especially in April and May, the harvest may be limited due to seasonal growing conditions. During these times, we may pause weekly deliveries or combine them to make the most of what’s available and reduce transport costs.
We’ll always let you know in advance if there are changes to the delivery schedule!
5. Can I pause the CSA Harvest box for more than 4 weeks?
Yes, you can take breaks, we know that holidays and busy periods come up! Your standard CSA Harvest contract includes up to 4 pause weeks (we call them Jokers) per year, with full flexibility on when to use them, plus 2 company holidays.
If you need to pause for longer, please note that additional boxes can’t be refunded. A great alternative is to have a friend, neighbour, or colleague pick up your box while you’re away, it’s a nice way to share fresh veggies and make sure nothing goes to waste.
If you prefer more flexibility, our Flexi Harvest Box is the best option, which allows unlimited pauses and adapts easily to your schedule.
6. How much does the veggie box cost and are there solidarity prices?
The CSA Harvest Box normally costs €109 per month.
You will find pricing and inclusion here.
As a cooperative member, you can apply for a reduced solidarity price of €89 or €99, depending on available subsidies. You can also choose to pay a little more (€119 or €129) to support solidarity pricing for others — and this is possible even without membership.
The Flexi Harvest Box is charged per delivery at €29, giving you maximum flexibility without a monthly commitment.
This way, everyone can find an option that fits their household and budget while supporting our community and seasonal, regional farming.
7. How can I cancel my harvest contract?
We understand that plans change, and we want to make it as easy as possible to adjust your commitment.
Right of withdrawal: You can cancel your contract within the first two weeks without giving a reason. This only cancels the harvest contract, not your cooperative membership.
CSA Harvest Box: To keep our solidarity-based farm running smoothly, cancellations are possible up to one month before the contract ends. From the third delivery onward, cancellation is only possible at the end of the contract term with one month’s notice. Early termination can be tricky because we rely on purchase commitments. A simple alternative is to ask a friend or neighbor to pick up your box and transfer the contribution. In cases of hardship, such as moving out of the delivery area, special termination rights apply, please also send your new address and registration certificate by email to info@plantage.farm.
Flexi Harvest Box: You can pause or cancel at any time before Sunday 23:59 for the following week, giving you maximum flexibility through your account.
8. Can I switch between the CSA Harvest box and the Flexi Harvest box?
Yes, you can switch, and we’re happy to help you find the option that best fits your household and schedule.
From Flexi → to CSA Harvest Box: Simply cancel your Flexi Harvest Box by Sunday 23:59 and sign up for the CSA Harvest Box by then — your new CSA subscription will start the following week.
Joining the CSA Harvest Box supports our farm’s long-term planning and sustainability. Your commitment helps us plan the cultivation, harvest, and distribution more securely, ensuring that PlantAge can continue producing fresh, biocyclic-vegan vegetables for our community for years to come.
From CSA Harvest Box →to Flexi: You can switch to a Flexi Harvest Box after your CSA contract ends (one month’s notice before the end of the 12-month minimum term). This allows you to continue enjoying fresh, seasonal produce on a more flexible schedule.
9. How to edit my personal details E.G: address, phone number, bank details, etc.
Please email us at info@plantage.farm with your new information. For bank detail changes, please fill out this form.
If you currently hold a flexi box, you are able to make changes on your account through the website.
1. How can I join the cooperative?
The participation declaration can be found here. Membership starts from one share (€150). You can become a member at any time; there is no waiting list. We’re happy when you join. Shares can be increased over time. The bylaws set a 24-month notice period to the end of the fiscal year for withdrawal; this long term provides financial stability and is core to the cooperative principle (see additional answers on cancellation).
2. Do I have to become a member?
Yes, if you want to receive a CSA Harvest box at the solidarity price of €89 / €99. At the standard price of €109 or for the Flexi Harvest box, membership is not required.
3. How much does membership cost?
Membership requires a one-time deposit (1 share of €150) and an annual fee of €25. As a solidarity cooperative, you can join with just one share (€150). The annual fee (€25) is payable at the start of membership in full; there is no pro rata calculation for joining mid-year. Payment is via SEPA. From January of the next year the fee is debited by standing order.
4. What is a cooperative?
A cooperative is a distinct legal form – the “registered cooperative” (eG in Germany). It is owned and operated by its members. The core idea is to work together to achieve shared goals, rather than maximizing profit for individuals.
The purpose is to benefit the members, for example through lower prices, secure sales opportunities, shared use of equipment or ecological production.
Membership:
The cooperative belongs to its members – these can be individuals, businesses, or organizations. Each member has one vote, regardless of how much money they have invested. Members only risk the money they invest, nothing more.
5. Why are you a cooperative?
Our bylaws can be found here. As a cooperative we are independent and self-funded. The grassroots democratic model supports long-term viability. By choosing a veggie box you secure regional supply independent from international supply chains and crises. As a member you are not just a customer but also an owner: your one-time share (at least €150) and annual fee (€25) help cover investment needs.
6. What are shares and the annual fee used for?
Shares give us capital to invest in equipment (tools, tunnels, delivery vehicle, etc.). Your contribution works for us in the form of tools and infrastructure for farming according to our values. The annual fee covers basic costs like administration, member communication, organization and the annual general meeting. The fee is due in full at the start of membership; there is no pro rata calculation.
7. Why must I provide my tax number/ID on the membership application?
We collect the tax ID on the advice of our association (ZdK) for possible profit distributions. Whether you must file a tax return is something you should ask your tax advisor.
8. How can I increase my shares?
Use the participation declaration form.
9. Am I personally liable as a cooperative member?
No, you are not personally liable with private assets. Some cooperatives have an additional call-on obligation; we do not. Any loss would be reflected as a reduction in share value (e.g. €150 might be worth €120).
10. How can I cancel my cooperative membership?
You can cancel membership here.
A resignation submitted by 31.12.2025 is effective on 31.12.2027. That means you remain a member until that date, can attend the annual meeting and pay the annual fee of €25.
After submitting the resignation it cannot be revoked. Shares are paid out in 2028 after the settlement balance is determined at the general meeting (see bylaws §10 (3) and (4)). Any potential loss would be reflected by a devaluation of shares. This process is legally required and cannot be expedited; the board would be liable for deviations. We’re sorry the exit process is somewhat complex and may require patience.
11. Can I transfer my cooperative membership to someone else?
Yes. A quicker alternative is to transfer your shares to an existing or new member (see bylaws §7 (1)). After the transfer you can resign and the acquiring member reimburses you for the shares. The form is available here.
12. Are regular work shifts on the field mandatory?
No. You can choose your level of involvement. There are no mandatory harvest shifts. Roles range from quiet appreciators to occasional helpers to engaged project initiators. The more people get involved, the more PlantAge grows and can drive social transformation.
1. Where can I pick up the box?
We offer paid home delivery or free pickup at our stations in Berlin, Potsdam and Frankfurt (Oder). There is no entitlement to a particular station, but you may switch if places are available. You can have a look at our pick up location map HERE.
2. When can I pick up the box at pickup stations?
Delivery takes place Tuesday to Thursday (depending on station). Pickup is possible on the delivery day and the following day. After that the box becomes the property of the pickup station. Usually pickup is during the station’s opening hours (exceptions may apply).
Opening hours can change, so please check our pick up location map HERE before pickup. Each station has a Signal chat where our driver announces delivery and any delays (e.g. due to traffic).
3. Can someone else pick up the box for me?
Yes. Please forward all necessary pickup information to them. The person must sign the checklist under your name.
4. I want to change my pickup station. What do I need to do?
To change stations, tell us your desired pickup location via the form by the posted deadline.
You will receive a confirmation. Please keep picking up at your old station until you receive confirmation. If the station is full you will be placed on a waiting list and notified when a spot becomes available. We are continuously expanding our network of stations.
5. How can I suggest a new pickup station?
If you have a neighborhood in which you’d like a station, register your suggestion via this form. If you know a suitable specific place, mention it in the form. You can also approach property owners, give them our info sheet or leave flyers. A new station becomes worthwhile logistically at about 15 regular boxes. Once there is demand, and cooperation from the location and fit with our route, we can start. You’ll hear about new stations in our newsletter, on Instagram and on the pick up location map.
6. Can I have the box delivered to my home?
Yes, via a paid shipping provider (DHL €9.50 per delivery). These are costs we pass on 1:1. boxes are usually sent on Tuesday and typically arrive Wednesday, or at the latest Thursday.
7. Are the boxes ready to take, or do I need to pack them myself? Do I have to do anything at pick-up?
All boxes are pre-packed and identical, so there’s no need to sort or weigh anything yourself. Just grab your box and go!
This makes pick-up quick and easy.
8. What do I do with the green box after pick up?
You have two options:
🍅 Take the whole box home and bring it back when you pick up your next delivery.
🥕 Or simply transfer your veggies into a bag or backpack at the pick-up station and leave the box there.
No matter what you choose, please make sure to return the green boxes. Each one costs around €4.50 (including material and delivery), and we need at least 3 boxes per subscriber to keep everything running smoothly.
Even if you’re only doing the trial phase or decide not to continue, we kindly ask that you return all boxes.
Please treat the boxes with care and use them only for transporting your produce. If you’d like your own, you’re welcome to purchase one separately!
1. What does biocyclic-vegan cultivation mean?
Biocyclic-vegan cultivation means we follow organic farming principles and go one step further: for ethical and ecological reasons we refrain from using animal manures such as dung, horn meal, slurry and other slaughter by-products. More information is available HERE
2. Can I visit the farm?
Yes, preferably on Saturdays during our Farm Days. Dates are on the website and you can register. If Saturdays don’t work, contact us by email to arrange a visit.
Farm Day is for those who want to get to know PlantAge and for people who want to work in the field. Interested people, cooperative members and the PlantAge team come together.
Find out more about our farm days through our events page HERE.
3. How can I volunteer or help out on the farm?
Volunteers are always welcome at Plantage. Please check more details on the volunteers page. Alternatively you can join our Farm Days on Saturdays more details on our event page.
4. Where is PlantAge Farm?
The field is located in the Markendorf district of Frankfurt (Oder). Directions are on our website. At Müllroser Chaussee 76c, 15236 Frankfurt (Oder) follow the road and look for PlantAge signs. From the Markendorf Ort tram stop it’s about a 15-minute walk.
5. Can my dog come to the farm?
Yes.
6. Can I camp on the farm?
Yes, members may camp from May to September on Farm Days. Please email info@plantage.farm to arrange.
7. Are there family-friendly activities at PlantAge?
Absolutely! Our Farm Days are ideal for families, a great chance for children to explore the farm and learn where their food comes from. Check out our events page for more information on how to participate.
You can also join our family Signal group to coordinate transport and swap kid-friendly recipes. Please contact us via mail to info@plantage.farm, if you want to join the group chats.
