This biological self-picking garden, ’t Oogstuuntje, located in Poortvliet, is part of a family business with over a century of horticultural experience, operating organically since 2000. It offers visitors the opportunity to pick their own organic vegetables and fruits directly from the plant.
The garden operates seasonally, typically opening in the summer from mid-May, and provides free entry. Guests can wander among the crops, learn about organic farming practices that forgo harmful pesticides and chemicals, and pay only for the produce they gather. The farm is committed to sustainability, growing crops in the open ground and utilizing old plant material for compost.
A diverse array of over 30 known and lesser-known organic crops is available for self-picking. While the specific selection varies with the seasons, the farm cultivates a variety of vegetables and fruits. These may include summer produce such as cucumbers, snack cucumbers, okra, wok cucumbers, ginger, peppers, and jalapeños, alongside winter offerings like pak choi, cos lettuce, romaine lettuce, red oak leaf lettuce, and lamb’s lettuce. The most current availability is communicated via the farm’s social media channels.
’t Oogstuuntje also serves as a dedicated self-picking location for the broader Biotuinderij van Brakel farm, situated in Sint-Annaland, Zeeland. It aims to offer an enjoyable and educational experience for all ages, highlighting the journey of plant growth and harvesting.
What visitors say
Visitors consistently praise this self-picking farm as an excellent destination for harvesting their own fresh, high-quality organic fruits and vegetables. Many commend the produce for its superior taste compared to supermarket alternatives, noting a good variety, including occasional exotic finds. The staff and owners are consistently described as friendly and helpful, with one visitor even highlighting a warm welcome that included coffee and brownies. The overall experience is celebrated as enjoyable, well-organized, and an educational outing, particularly for children. While the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, one visitor did express surprise and disappointment regarding the cost, finding it to be quite expensive at checkout.