Nestled in the countryside of Rijsbergen, near Breda in North Brabant, lies Pluktuin Gewoon Buiten, an ecological self-picking farm. This vibrant space operates as a social project, sustainably cultivating a variety of produce with respect for people, animals, and the environment. Beyond its fields, the farm is also home to horses, chickens, ducks, geese, and bees, creating a diverse natural setting.
Visitors can participate in several ways:
- Harvest Participants: By becoming an annual subscriber, individuals can weekly pick their own seasonal vegetables, herbs, and small fruits from April to October. This typically provides enough produce for a week’s meals for the registered household members.
- Flower Picking: The flower garden is open to everyone without a subscription. From June onwards, visitors can freely pick flowers to create their own bouquets, paying based on the bouquet’s size. Stamp cards and gift cards are also available.
- Direct Purchase: Loose flowers and any surplus herbs, vegetables, and fruits, along with fresh eggs, can be purchased directly at the farm. Apples, pears, and plums are occasionally available in a small farm shop for an additional charge.
- Volunteering: The farm thrives on the efforts of volunteers, who can contribute their time, learn about ecological farming, and often take home leftover harvest.
The farm offers a wide array of produce for self-picking during the season:
- Vegetables: Jerusalem artichokes, potatoes, endive, eggplant, bell peppers, spinach, chard, various types of lettuce, different bean varieties, diverse legumes, various cabbages, celeriac, Florence fennel, cucumber, parsnip, radish, black radish, daikon radish, leek, salsify, shallots, onions, spring onions, garlic, sweetcorn, tomatoes, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, asparagus, zucchini, pattypan squash, red beets, and peppers. The farm also focuses on cultivating “forgotten vegetables.”
- Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, lavender, oregano, chives, bay leaf, lemon verbena, and seasonal basil (grown in the greenhouse). A variety of mints are also cultivated, including strawberry mint, chocolate mint, basil mint, ginger mint, apple mint, and pineapple mint.
- Small Fruits: Raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
Pluktuin Gewoon Buiten also regularly hosts guided tours, open days, and harvest festivals, offering opportunities for engagement and learning. The farm encourages visitors to bring their own reusable bags, crates, and picking tools for a convenient and environmentally friendly experience. Payments are cash-only, as no ATM is available on site.
The farm is located at Overasebaan 10, 4891 RG Rijsbergen.
What visitors say
Visitors consistently praise this self-picking farm as a delightful and unique destination, often described as a “little piece of paradise.” The garden offers an impressive array of organically and ecologically grown vegetables, fruits, wild flowers, and herbs, all cultivated without pesticides, ensuring healthy and delicious produce. Many appreciate the opportunity to discover “forgotten” vegetables and the educational experience it provides, especially for children learning about food origins. The farm also features animals like chickens and horses, adding to its charm.
Beyond the rich harvest, the farm offers a serene and welcoming atmosphere, complete with seating areas for relaxation. Reviewers frequently highlight the professionalism, hospitality, and dedication of the staff, including the manager Mik, and the involvement of volunteers. For those seeking a deeper engagement, seasonal subscriptions are available, allowing members to pick weekly. The overall experience is highly recommended for its beautiful environment, diverse offerings, and the genuine warmth of its people.