At Ecologische Tuinderij De Tilgrupshof in Appelscha you pick your own organic vegetables and herbs from mid-May to November. The farm works on a membership system called oogstgenoot, or harvest partner. You pay an annual fee at the start of the season, which covers the whole household. The standard fee is €275 per share, but you can choose to pay between €200 and €350 depending on your budget. Children under 10 pick for free, and those aged 10 to 18 pay half price.
The season runs for about 30 weeks. You can visit the garden any day between sunrise and sunset to harvest what is ready. The farm sends weekly emails listing which crops are available. Early in the season you might find winter purslane, radishes and spinach; in summer courgettes, beans and carrots; and in autumn pumpkins, kale and leeks. The selection depends on the weather, so some crops may not be available every year.
You bring your own bags, crates or containers. The farm provides tools like a digging fork, but you should bring a knife or scissors. Dogs are allowed if you check with the owners first. The garden is best reached by bike, as it lies along a cycle path. A few parking spaces are available near the entrance, about 100 metres from the garden.
The farm uses no chemical pesticides or fertilisers. It follows agroecological methods, focusing on soil health and minimal soil disturbance. You pick only for your own fresh use, unless the farm announces a surplus that can be preserved.
What visitors say
Visitors come for the well-kept garden and the chance to pick their own fresh vegetables and fruit. The rows are tidy, the produce is plentiful, and the setting is quiet—ideal for a relaxed morning or afternoon. Most say the people running the place are kind and welcoming, happy to help if you’re unsure what to pick. It’s a straightforward setup: you weigh what you take and pay at the end. A few mention it’s a nice way to spend time with children, though there’s no playground or extra activities. Prices are fair, not cheap, but the quality makes up for it. The only downside some note is that the best crops can go quickly if you arrive late.