De Tuin naast de Branding is a one-hectare self-pick garden located on the island of Schiermonnikoog. What began in 2016 as an empty field has grown into a full-fledged pick-your-own farm where visitors can harvest fruits, vegetables, flowers, and oyster mushrooms. The garden is cultivated using biological and sustainable methods, avoiding chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers to promote a healthy, fertile soil.
The primary harvest season runs from the end of May to mid-November, with the most abundant selection available between late May and late October. The self-pick produce available includes lettuce, mesclun mix, raapstelen (leafy turnip tops), chard, spinach, thin leeks, oyster mushrooms (cultivated using coffee grounds from the island), tulips, and various other seasonal vegetables and fruits. In the spring, items such as greenhouse vegetables, apples, and yellow onions from a local partner farm are also available. Visitors can pick their own flowers to make bouquets.
The garden is open every day from 09:00 to 18:00. During the summer, the farm also operates a market stall on Saturday mornings in the village until the end of October. The garden is accessible for children, with kid-sized wheelbarrows and tools available, and a portion of the garden is accessible for visitors with mobility challenges. Dogs are welcome at the entrance but are not allowed inside the garden itself. Payment is based on a self-determined, pay-what-you-feel system, with suggested prices provided, and both cash and pin payments are accepted.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm on the island of Schiermonnikoog consistently receives high praise as an outstanding destination and a true gem. Visitors enthusiastically commend the delicious, fresh, and organic selection of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and beautiful flowers available for harvest. Many describe the self-picking experience as incredibly fun and enjoyable.
A recurring highlight among reviewers is the farm’s unique and commendable concept: it functions as a community garden for islanders, even supplying local restaurants, and operates on a trust-based payment system where customers contribute what they feel is fair. This model, which prioritizes quality over quantity and advocates for organic, pesticide-free cultivation, is frequently cited as an inspiring blueprint for other communities.
The garden itself is consistently lauded as an amazing, well-organized, and meticulously maintained space, boasting a diverse assortment of produce and flora. The staff and overall atmosphere are also highly regarded, with many noting the welcoming, friendly, helpful, relaxed, and social environment that makes guests feel right at home. Even in one instance where a visitor was not initially greeted, they still praised the garden and expressed a desire to return, underscoring that any minor issues are far outweighed by the overwhelmingly positive experience and the farm’s dedication to its principles. Overall, the farm is a highly recommended spot for its exceptional products, unique community-focused approach, and delightful ambiance.