Pluktuin van Geesje is a self-picking farm and garden situated on 2 hectares at the northern edge of the Geestmerambacht recreation area, near Alkmaar. Founded in 2019 by Yoram van de Reep and Sarai de Haan, the farm operates on principles of biodynamic and nature-inclusive agriculture, prioritizing healthy soil, biodiversity, and closed ecological cycles. It is committed to cultivating produce without artificial fertilizers or pesticides, even uniquely refraining from spraying its fruit trees. The farm integrates animals, utilizing pigs to prepare the soil and sheep for grazing, fertilization, and wool production, fostering a comprehensive farm ecosystem.
The farm is currently closed but anticipates reopening for its self-picking season in June or July 2026, typically remaining open until November. During the season, visitors are welcome to pick their own produce on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM to 5 PM. Alternatively, individuals can opt for a “harvest share,” which provides weekly access to a portion of the farm’s harvest from June to November, including vegetables, fruit, herbs, oyster mushrooms, and flowers. Harvest share holders can pick on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
A wide array of produce is available for self-picking:
- Fruits: various types of apples, pears, plums, raspberries, blackberries, redcurrants, whitecurrants, honeyberries, gooseberries, blackcurrants, loganberries/hybrid berries, Japanese wineberries, and strawberries. Other harvestable items from the farm’s plantings include hazelnuts, walnuts, elderberries, quince, rosehip, sweet chestnut, aronia (appleberry), and jostaberries.
- Vegetables: arugula, spring onions, garlic, various beans and peas, pumpkin, patisson (scallop squash), and zucchini.
- Herbs: basil, parsley, coriander, celery, and dill.
- Mushrooms: oyster mushrooms.
- Flowers: dahlias, sunflowers, and other cut flowers suitable for creating bouquets.
In addition to self-picking, Pluktuin van Geesje offers a range of activities. These include Pilates and Yoga classes during the picking season, creative and artistic workshops, and educational programs tailored for schools to teach about organic cultivation. The farm also serves as a valuable site for internships in the green and agricultural sectors and welcomes volunteers, including individuals from care institutions, fostering a community-oriented “picking garden family.” The farm also offers farm-raised pork for sale, sourced from pigs kept outdoors year-round and fed organic produce and grains, contributing to a sustainable local food system.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm offers a delightful and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. Guests consistently praise the extensive variety of organic and natural produce available, including numerous types of vegetables, fruits (such as berries, apples, and herbs), and flowers. The welcoming atmosphere is largely attributed to the friendly, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable staff and owners who ensure a pleasant visit.
The spacious garden provides a relaxed environment where visitors can enjoy amenities like tea, coffee, and tasty cakes. It’s also possible to see animals like sheep and pigs, and practical facilities such as a toilet are available, making it ideal for an extended visit. While the farm has evidently grown and developed over time, it continues to be recommended for its fresh produce, educational value, and the overall enjoyable experience, where guests are equipped with baskets, shears, and paper bags for an easy and rewarding harvest. Minor feedback includes suggestions for clearer communication about seasonal produce availability, better maintenance of pathways, and improved parking.