U-pick farm De Hommelhoeve

De Hommelhoeve is a small-scale, mixed farm situated near Brummen, between Zutphen and Apeldoorn, that operates using nature-inclusive, biodynamic principles. The farm is dedicated to producing healthy food while creating a habitat for wildlife. It is a member of the Association for Biodynamic Agriculture and has a rating of 4.3 stars from 7 Google reviews. The farm features a wheelchair-accessible parking area.

The centerpiece of the farm is a self-pick garden, where members can harvest fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruit. A subscription provides weekly access to the harvest throughout the growing season, which runs from approximately April or May until the winter produce is depleted. The cost for a full season subscription is €375 per adult, with a reduced rate for children. In addition to the self-pick garden, the farm’s shop sells grass-fed beef from Brandrode cattle, free-range pork from Duroc pigs, and eggs and meat from free-range chickens. Vegetables are also available for purchase in the shop during the harvest season.

The farm also offers a small campsite for those who wish to stay on-site, as well as various workshops and courses on topics like composting, natural building, and vegetable gardening.

What visitors say

This charming self-picking farm and garden consistently earns high praise for its beautiful setting and dedicated approach to biodynamic agriculture. Guests frequently commend the extensive selection of delicious, seasonal produce available, from raspberries and berries to potatoes and various vegetables, all cultivated in well-maintained gardens. The team behind the farm is often described as passionate, friendly, and genuinely attentive, fostering a welcoming environment for all.

Beyond the harvest, the farm offers unique experiences, including opportunities for volunteering, which many find enjoyable thanks to the sociable community. For those seeking a deeper immersion, a stay in the distinctive gypsy wagon accommodation is highlighted as a wonderfully relaxing retreat. Guests value the tranquility of being surrounded by nature, observing grazing cows and nesting storks, making it an ideal spot to unwind.

While the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points have been raised regarding the gypsy wagon, specifically the absence of shaded outdoor areas and a firm mattress. More notably, one customer reported significant difficulty with communication during course registration, citing unanswered emails and phone calls. The owner, addressing this concern directly, explained a recent email system malfunction and the challenges of being reachable while working in the fields, offering apologies and an invitation to reconnect.

Facilities in this u-pick farm

Farm shop Farm shop

De Zonnegaard

4.3 km — gelderland

De Zonnegaard is a certified biodynamic farm located in Voorst, Netherlands. The farm is dedicated to building healthy soil through centuries-old farming traditions, using certified organic manure, a wide crop rotation, and green manures. They prioritize flavor over yield, sometimes choosing lower-producing crop varieties for their superior taste. Visitors can self-pick flowers in the pick-your-own flower garden from the end of March through October. The season begins with tulips and daffodils, followed by spring flowers like columbine, summer blooms such as cornflowers, zinnias, and cosmos, and continues into autumn with dahlias and asters. When ripe, visitors can also pick small fruit like berries and raspberries, as well as various kitchen herbs.

Fruitbedrijf Horstink

10.9 km — gelderland

Fruitbedrijf Horstink is a family-run fruit farm located in the Achterhoek region of the Netherlands, on the farm ‘de Groote Wei’ in Rha, near Steenderen and the river IJssel. Operating as a fruit and vegetable store, the farm has a strong focus on environmentally conscious cultivation and offers a wide range of products and experiences. Visitors can self-pick a variety of fruit during special events. The farm hosts “Plukdagen” (Pick Your Own Days), typically during the first weekend of September, where you can pick apples and pears directly from the orchard. Varieties available for picking have included Elstar, Goudreinet, and Delcorf apples, as well as Conference pears, for a price of €1.50 per kilo. While the Plukdagen are a specific recurring event, the farm itself is a working orchard throughout the year. The farm shop is open from Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 to 18:00, and on Saturday from 9:00 to 16:00. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Korenblik, biologische boerderij

11.5 km — gelderland

Boerderij Korenblik is a biodynamic mixed farm and farm shop located in the countryside between Warnsveld and Vorden, bordering the Hackfort estate. The farm operates on the principles of circular agriculture and is fully SKAL-certified, meaning all products are grown without chemical pesticides or artificial fertilizers. In addition to vegetable, potato, and livestock farming, the farm features a separate, independently run organic flower garden called Plukkerz. Self-picking is available for soft fruits, which are a specialty of the farm. Strawberries and raspberries can be picked from mid-May until deep into October. The main strawberry harvest typically runs from the end of May to mid-July, while raspberries begin around June/July and continue until the first autumn frosts. These fruits are grown both in unheated tunnels and in open fields. The farm grows up to 40 to 50 different varieties of vegetables, potatoes, and fruit at the peak of the season, though these are available for purchase in the farm shop rather than for self-picking.

StadsAkkers

11.8 km — gelderland

StadsAkkers is a non-profit organic farm located on 2.5 hectares in Apeldoorn, growing a wide variety of vegetables, fruit, and herbs. The farm also has an orchard with 200 apple and pear trees. Beyond food production, the organization focuses on providing a meaningful outdoor work environment for people who may face barriers to the regular job market. Visitors can purchase produce at the on-farm shop, ’t Akkertje. For those who want to participate directly, a self-pick subscription allows weekly harvesting. The self-pick season runs from May through October. Each week, subscribers can pick 4 to 5 different types of vegetables and fruit (when available), plus a bunch of herbs and, regularly, flowers. The expected yield averages enough for 3 to 4 meals per week, based on 200 grams per person. Self-picking is scheduled for Wednesday afternoons (13:00-16:00), Fridays (10:00-18:00), and Saturdays (09:00-12:00). During holiday periods, a friend or family member can pick on the subscriber’s behalf.