Discover U-Pick farms in the Netherlands

pumpkins

Picking pumpkins in the Netherlands is a fun way to spend a day outdoors, whether you’re alone or with loved ones. The thrill of wandering through the fields, searching for the perfect pumpkin—whether big, small, or oddly shaped—adds a playful twist to the experience. Kids love the hunt, and adults enjoy the rustic charm of filling a wheelbarrow with their finds. Plus, the vibrant orange hues make for great photos.

Once home, pumpkins can be used in countless ways. Roast them for soups, puree them for pies, or carve them into spooky lanterns. Their seeds make a crunchy snack when toasted with salt and spices.

Two simple recipes to try:

Creamy Pumpkin Soup: Sauté onions and garlic, add diced pumpkin, vegetable stock, and a pinch of nutmeg. Simmer until soft, blend until smooth, and finish with a swirl of cream.
Roasted Pumpkin Salad: Toss pumpkin chunks with olive oil, honey, and rosemary. Roast until caramelized, then mix with spinach, feta, and walnuts.

For a festive drink, try a Pumpkin Spice Cocktail: Shake 50ml bourbon, 30ml pumpkin puree, 15ml maple syrup, a dash of cinnamon, and ice. Strain into a glass and top with whipped cream.

Decorating with pumpkins? Stack them on your porch, hollow them out for candle holders, or paint them for a colorful centerpiece. The possibilities are as endless as the fun of picking them.

Ecologische Tuinderij De Tilgrupshof

vegetables, herbs
friesland

De Tilgrupshof is a self-picking farm in Appelscha, Netherlands, cultivating ecological vegetables since January 2024. The farm is part of an area focused on increasing biodiversity through ecological farming practices. Members, called “oogstgenoten” (harvest companions), pay an annual fee for the right to harvest their own vegetables and herbs for about 30 weeks, from mid-May to November. They can harvest 4 to 5 days a week. The farm operates on the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) principle.

Janmaat Plantenteelt

flowers, vegetables
overijssel

Janmaat Plantenteelt is a farm in Bruinehaar, Netherlands, specializing in the cultivation of various crops and flowers. They grow sugar beets, grain, potatoes, tulips, peonies, dahlias, and pumpkins. During the growing season, they offer direct sales and a “pick-your-own” experience for flowers and pumpkins. They also host wood-burning workshops and offer a nature retreat called De Merel. The farm emphasizes sustainability and craftsmanship. Upcoming events include wood-burning workshops on February 15th and 19th, and March 8th, with a Dahlia sales day planned for March 15th. They can be found on Facebook and Instagram @janmaatplantenteelt.

Tuinderij 't Wild

vegetables
noord-brabant

Tuinderij ’t Wild is a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm located on Hustenweg in Rosmalen, Netherlands. The farm is run by Linda, who cultivates various vegetables without using artificial fertilizers or pesticides. The CSA model involves customers becoming “deelgenoten” (shareholders) by paying an annual contribution upfront. In return, they can harvest fresh vegetables from the land for their own use throughout the season, which runs from June to November. The farm provides information on what can be harvested each week, including quantities and harvesting instructions. All necessary tools and guidance are provided. A full share costs €300 (including VAT) for the season, providing enough vegetables for one adult to harvest 5-6 different vegetables per week. A trial share is also available for €60 (including VAT), allowing you to harvest for 4 weeks.

Beleef Het En Eet Het

groente, bloemen
zuid-holland

“Experience it and Eat it” is a farm in Strijen where visitors can harvest their own vegetables. The idea was born to let people experience where their food comes from. Families, schools and adults are welcome to harvest potatoes, onions, carrots, beetroot, pumpkins, green beans, red and white cabbage. Children learn about the origins of honey through the beehives present. After harvesting, you can enjoy fries made from your own potatoes. The farm is open from mid-August to early November on weekends. Schools can also visit during the week by appointment. In the winter, maintenance is carried out, drainage is installed and administration is done. Flower borders have been created that help combat lice in a natural way. The harvested vegetables cost a small amount per kilo.

Klein Alma

vegetables, flowers, herbs
groningen

Tuinderij Klein Alma is a self-picking farm in Bedum, run by Aukje Stoffelsma, her husband Stefan, volunteers, trainees, and picking participants. Aukje Stoffelsma started the farm in 2019 after graduating from Warmonderhof, a school for biodynamic agriculture. The farm operates on a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) principle, where customers buy “harvest shares” for the season, allowing them to harvest their own produce weekly. This supports healthy agriculture and the local economy.

De Marwijkshof

fruits, flowers
drenthe

Fruitbedrijf De Marwijkshof is a farm shop offering a variety of fresh produce and homemade delicacies. They sell items like carrots, leeks, beans, kale, potatoes, soft fruits, apples, fruit juices, krentjebrij, yogurt, milk, honey, cheese, eggs, jam, syrup, wine, beer, sausages, meat, fruit chocolates, and farm-made ice cream. They also create custom gift baskets. The farm offers a “Pick Your Own” experience during the harvest season. Previously, customers could pick dahlias, green and red gooseberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants, whitecurrants, blueberries, blackberries, Santana apples, sunflowers, and pumpkins. However, as of December 1, 2024, everything in the picking garden has been harvested. Frambozen are available for sale at the shop in harvest season but not for self picking.

Hof Bredelaar

fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs
gelderland

Hof Bredelaar is a self-picking farm located in Elst, Netherlands. It operates within Park Lingezegen, between Arnhem and Nijmegen. The farm cultivates a wide range of fresh, organically grown vegetables, fruits, herbs, and edible flowers, all without pesticides. Customers can purchase a harvest subscription allowing them to pick their own produce whenever they like. The farm emphasizes sustainability, investing in healthy soil, biodiversity, and natural balance. This results in flavorful, nutritious crops.

Landwinkel Nieuw Slagmaat

fruits, vegetables
flevoland

Nieuw Slagmaat Farm in Bunnik welcomes visitors to its farm store, terrace, and playground on Fridays and Saturdays. The farm grows kiwis, apples, pears, plums, cherries, and kiwiberries, as well as vegetables in a large garden, including beets, pumpkins, and zucchini. It is known for its innovative and environmentally conscious fruit cultivation, which has received awards. All produce is sold fresh in the farm store and is also processed into jam and juice without additives. Visitors can see farm animals and enjoy coffee/tea or farm-made juice with a view. The farm is located in the Kromme Rijn area, bordering Nieuw Wulven forest and Fort Vechten, offering opportunities for cycling, walking, and skating.