Pluktuin Het Platteland is a self-picking garden located on Engersteeg 14 in Putten, surrounded by windbreaks and meadows. The farm offers a nostalgic atmosphere where visitors can harvest their own seasonal vegetables, fruit, and flowers. A selection of antiques and brocade items is also available on-site. There is a coffee garden, and the venue includes facilities such as picnic tables, a play area, and accessible parking and entrance. It is ideally suited for children and for walks along the nearby Norderpad or Hoeverveldpad paths.
The produce available for self-picking includes:
- Vegetables: A wide range of seasonal vegetables, including lettuce, snap peas, and pumpkins in the late summer. All vegetables are grown naturally from organic seed, using hand weeding and sheep manure.
- Fruit: Apples, pears, plums, and quince, with picking starting around the third week of July depending on the weather.
- Small fruit: Red, white, blue, and black currants, raspberries, and blackberries, typically available from mid-June onward.
- Flowers: Visitors can pick their own flowers; the price is determined by the size of the bouquet.
The garden is open for picking and sales from Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 to 17:00, and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. The business is closed during December, January, and February, with the exception of group visits by appointment. On the first Saturday of each month, the garden participates in the BrocantePad Putten market route. In addition to self-picking, activities include workshops on pruning small fruits and occasional communal dining events featuring a biological meal with ingredients from the garden.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm and garden offers a truly delightful and relaxing experience for visitors of all ages. Guests consistently praise the serene and idyllic atmosphere, often enjoying coffee, tea, or a delicious homemade lunch under the fruit trees. The food, including a variety of cakes (with vegan options available) and fresh dishes like soups, quiches, and salads, frequently incorporates ingredients straight from the garden and is highly commended for its quality.
The core attraction is the opportunity to pick a diverse range of fresh, often organic, fruits, vegetables, and flowers, providing an enjoyable and educational outing for children who love exploring the extensive sandpit and play areas. Beyond the picking fields, a charming farm shop offers a selection of local products, artisanal delicacies, and unique vintage items, which many visitors enjoy browsing. The staff generally receive high marks for being friendly, helpful, and hospitable.
While the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, some guests note that prices for both the pick-your-own produce and items in the café and shop can be on the higher side. Occasional comments mention that the availability of certain fruits and flowers can vary significantly by season, and a few suggest improvements in garden maintenance, clearer signage in the picking areas, or faster service during busy periods. Despite these minor points, the farm is widely recommended as a “hidden gem” and a wonderful escape from daily routines, with many patrons eager to return.