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.

Klaver & Papaver is a small-scale, sustainable flower farm and pick-your-own garden located in Oosterwolde, Netherlands. They grow unique cut flowers such as zinnias, dahlias, ranunculus, and sweet peas, without the use of artificial fertilizers or pesticides. The pick-your-own garden is open from July to October, where visitors can pick their own bouquets of seasonal flowers. A self-service flower station provides plucking tips, scissors, twine, and packaging materials. Payment can be made in cash or via QR codes. Currently, the pick-your-own garden is closed for the winter.

The Garden next to the Branding on Schiermonnikoog is a pick-your-own garden where you can pick and harvest your own fruit, flowers and vegetables. She also grew oyster mushrooms with coffee grounds from the island. The garden is open daily from sunrise to sunset. On Saturdays they are at the Willemshof market from 8:30 to about 13:00/13:30 (until the end of October on behalf of, in bad weather). What can be harvested can be found on the website or on site. The supply is largest between the end of May and mid-November, depending on the weather and the visitors. Blue flags indicate what can be harvested on the mudflat side of the flag. Scissors, knives and elastic bands are available in the shed. After harvesting, you write down what you have picked on the notepad in the shed and pay as you see fit (guide prices are stated). Payment can be made in cash or by debit card.

Simmerfruit is a fruit farm located in the Frisian woodlands, specializing in strawberries and berries. Strawberries are grown on elevated platforms for easier picking and cleanliness. The farm uses bees for pollination and avoids pesticides. The farm sells freshly picked strawberries from late May, available from 10 AM. Self-picking of berries is available from late June. The website indicates which fruits are ripe for picking. Additionally, the farm features a closed tasting garden where visitors can relax, enjoy smoothies, coffee, tea, or vanilla ice cream with strawberries. The farm also keeps Gotland sheep to keep the grass short around the strawberry beds during the off-season.

Vreedebest is a self-picking farm and tea garden located just outside Dokkum in Friesland, Netherlands. The farm boasts a biodiverse garden on its grounds that offers something to see in any weather. In season, a shop sells sustainable gifts, tea, coffee, homemade baked goods, jams, and syrups made with fruit and herbs from the farm itself, all pure and unsprayed, using organic cane sugar and no artificial additives. Children can enjoy the grounds with winding paths, scavenger hunts, and an escape game for older kids. They can also pick their own bouquets. Parents are asked to supervise their children, as the grounds are large and there are ditches.

Bij Buurman is a self-picking farm located in Kortehemmen, between Beetsterzwaag, Drachten, and Boornbergum, Netherlands. Members can harvest locally grown vegetables weekly during the season from the vegetable garden. From July, visitors can pick their own bouquets of flowers from the flower garden without a membership. The farm practices regenerative agriculture, focusing on soil health and biodiversity, offering around 60-80 varieties of vegetables and herbs, including common and forgotten types, as well as colored carrots. In 2025, a greenhouse is planned for tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Members pay a seasonal fee to harvest vegetables and herbs, with guidelines for the amount to pick based on need. The farm has set opening days. Membership is seasonal from May to November, with a trial month option available. A seasonal membership costs between 250 and 350 euro per adult, and the cost for children aged 5-17 is 10x their age, depending on what one can afford. The flower garden opens in late June 2025, offering organically grown flowers for visitors to pick their own bouquets. There is also a rest stop with coffee and tea during good weather. The farm encourages community involvement through volunteer days.

Fruithof de Struikrover is a self-picking farm located in Oldeholtpade, Friesland, near Wolvega. The farm is open every Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM for selling cuttings, shrubs, seeds, and plants. During the picking season, it is also open on Wednesdays and Fridays. All produce is grown organically without the use of pesticides. The farm covers 1.5 hectares and grows over 20 kinds of fruit, along with various flowers. A viewing tower allows visitors to see the layout of the farm, with its rows of bushes and netting.

Pluktuin PlukWad is a self-picking farm located in Wijnaldum, Netherlands, where visitors can pick their own flowers from a vast field of various flower mixes. The farm aims to stimulate biodiversity, offer a local and sustainable alternative to conventional bouquets, provide a fun experience, research alternative uses of farmland, bridge the gap between farmers and consumers, and positively impact the village of Wijnaldum. Proceeds from the farm support community good causes.

Stadsboerderij De Sibbe is a sustainable, green meeting place located on the edge of Sneek, Netherlands. It was once a farm with 120 cows and has been transformed into an “eco-paradise” with an edible landscape. Visitors can engage in activities such as camping between the city and countryside, meeting with others, holding meetings and celebrations, and participating in creative endeavors. The farm features a large vegetable garden, chickens, and a food forest for both humans and horses.

Stichting Sociaal en Vitaal is a Dutch foundation addressing food inequality by providing access to healthy, local food for low-income families. Over a million people in the Netherlands live below the poverty line, making it difficult to afford nutritious food. The foundation operates a social self-picking garden where over 300 families can harvest their own vegetables, fruits, and potatoes. The organization also focuses on social connection, food education, building a sustainable food system, health and vitality, and promoting biodiversity. They are looking for volunteers and financial support to expand their reach.

Ús Hôf is a permaculture farm that aims to restore the relationship between producer and consumer. They grow vegetables, fruit trees, berry bushes, and flowers without pesticides. They offer a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model where members pay at the beginning of the season based on their income and harvest their own vegetables weekly. If members don’t have time to harvest, they can subscribe to a vegetable bag delivered to Sibrandabuorren, Sneek, or Bolsward. Restaurants and institutions can also order vegetables.

Beiketún is a self-picking blueberry farm in Twijzel, Netherlands. The farm cultivates various blueberry varieties, ensuring a picking season from July to October. They focus on natural cultivation methods, avoiding chemical pesticides and artificial fertilizers, resulting in a pure, natural product. The blueberries are also suitable for a ketogenic diet. The farm also sells Beiketun bags for €5. Additionally, Beiketún has bee colonies managed by Imker Roelof. Visitors can learn about bees and their importance by appointment.