Tuinbouwbedrijf Bonten is a family-operated farm nestled in Baexem, Midden-Limburg. Starting with pumpkins and gourds in 1997, the farm has since grown its offerings to include strawberries and asparagus, with blueberries and summer raspberries added in 2021. The farm focuses on sustainable, small-scale cultivation, producing over 150 varieties of pumpkins and gourds each year.
Customers can acquire fresh, seasonal, and local products from the farm’s shop, open during specific hours, or at any time from its two farm automat machines, which operate daily from 8:00 to 20:00. An online webshop also allows for pre-orders, with pickup available from the shop or designated lockers.
The farm provides engaging self-picking experiences:
- Pumpkins: Visitors can self-pick a wide array of ornamental and edible pumpkins during the “Pumpkin Picking Days” and “Pumpkin Picking Afternoons” typically held in late September and October. The full “Pumpkin Picking Days” are lively events featuring activities such as treasure hunts, games, a bouncy castle, and pumpkin decorating, alongside seasonal treats. The “Pumpkin Picking Afternoons” offer a more relaxed opportunity to simply choose pumpkins from the field.
- Potatoes: An annual “Potato Day,” usually in July, invites guests to participate directly in the harvest by digging up or picking potatoes from the ground.
Beyond self-picking, Tuinbouwbedrijf Bonten sells fresh asparagus, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, free-range eggs, various potatoes, and onions. Their selection also includes homemade strawberry jam, an assortment of local dairy products and cheeses (such as milk, buttermilk, diverse yogurts, custards, and strained yogurt), and non-food items like kitchen tools and recipe books. The farm also hosts seasonal “Pumpkin Flower Arranging Workshops” and other events like an “Asparagus Day” and “Farmer’s Lunch.”
What visitors say
This self-picking farm consistently receives glowing reviews, particularly for its seasonal events and the friendliness of its staff. Visitors highly recommend the annual pumpkin picking days, describing them as exceptionally well-organized and offering a full day of activities for both children and adults. For a modest entry fee, guests can choose to head out to the fields with provided buckets and shears to pick their own pumpkins, paying per kilogram with volume discounts, or select from pre-picked pumpkins at the main site. Beyond pumpkin harvesting, the farm provides a range of entertainment, including pumpkin decorating, quizzes, bouncy castles, face painting, a go-kart/tractor track, and coloring stations. Food and drink stalls are readily available at both the fields and the main location, with a special mention for the ’to-die-for’ pumpkin waffles.
In addition to the autumn festivities, the farm also offers highly-rated asparagus workshops. These hands-on experiences allow participants to pick their own asparagus, learn about its cultivation and origin, and enjoy fresh, garden-grown products. Reviewers commend this workshop as an enjoyable and informative activity for families and friends, often leaving with cars full of fresh produce like asparagus and sweet strawberries. Across all interactions, the owner and staff are consistently praised for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and excellent service, contributing to the overall positive and enjoyable experience at the farm. The produce itself is frequently described as fresh and delicious, highlighting the quality of what’s on offer.