This farm, known as Pluk! Groenten van West, offers a unique self-picking experience across two organic locations in Amsterdam: Pluk! Fruittuin in Tuinen van West and Pluk! Boterbloem in the Lutkemeerpolder. It operates on a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model, inviting members to become “harvesters” by paying an annual fee to pick their own produce directly from the fields.
Harvesters can enjoy a huge variety of fresh, seasonal, and organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers. For instance, at the Fruittuin location, a flower bouquet is typically included with shares from June to October. Members visit weekly or bi-weekly, generally from late April/early May through November/December, to gather their harvests.
The farm prioritizes sustainable and ecological practices, holding organic certification (SKAL). All produce is grown without pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, fungicides, or genetic engineering. The farming methods are human-scale, primarily using hand tools and a “no-till/no-dig” approach to protect soil health and biodiversity, fostering a peaceful environment without heavy machinery.
Pluk! Fruittuin is a lively location featuring an organic shop, a café, and various events, also home to animals like cows, pigs, lambs, and chickens. Pluk! Boterbloem provides a quieter atmosphere, complete with a small shop, a shady orchard, and a few chickens and goats. This location also boasts an “eco-house” for workshops and is developing an edible hedge with fruit trees and berries. Both farms cultivate a vibrant community around local, healthy food, and offer opportunities for volunteering and team-building experiences.
What visitors say
Visitors consistently praise the farm for its delightful experience during harvest season, particularly appreciating the impressive variety and abundance of produce, its exceptional freshness, and the pleasant atmosphere. Many enjoy returning weekly to partake in the harvest.