De Groentemeester is a self-picking garden and project located in Maassluis, at Vlaardingsedijk 5, on the site of the former natural ice rink. This community-supported agriculture (CSA) initiative, managed by Remko Boers, allows individuals to become “harvest partners” and pick their own fresh, unsprayed vegetables and herbs directly from the land throughout the growing season.
The self-picking season typically runs for about 25-30 weeks, from approximately mid-May to November. Harvest partners pay an annual fee, which secures them enough produce for 1 to 2 people weekly. The garden is open for picking on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11:00 to 17:00. Each week, partners receive an email detailing at least 4 to 5 different vegetables available for harvest, along with instructions on how to pick them.
A wide diversity of produce can be self-picked, including:
- Root vegetables: Beet, carrot, parsnip, onion, radish, spring turnip, potato.
- Leafy greens and brassicas: Lettuce, Swiss chard, endive, turnip greens, broccoli, pointed cabbage, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, arugula, kohlrabi.
- Other vegetables: Leek, zucchini, cucumber, pumpkin, green celery, celeriac, fennel, broad beans, green beans, runner beans, peas, capuchin peas, tomatoes, bell peppers, chili peppers.
- Flavor enhancers: Various herbs and garlic.
Beyond vegetables, the garden also features a flower-picking area, accessible to everyone, not just harvest partners. Visitors can compose their own bouquets from up to 30 different flower varieties, such as sunflowers, dahlias, cosmos, and zinnias, with the flower-picking season running from late May/early June to mid-October. Payment for flowers can be made via QR code or cash.
The Groentemeester also offers educational activities, including tours for general visitors (held on the third Sunday of each month from April to November), and tailored lessons and excursions for schools. Volunteering opportunities are available for those interested in helping with tasks like sowing, planting, weeding, and tidying. Additionally, a “Weij Bar” is open during garden hours, providing coffee, freshly prepared lunch, and homemade cakes, making it a welcoming spot for visitors. The garden is part of a larger developmental area known as “Weij,” which plans to include a lunchroom, a regional tasting facility, a nature playground, and a food forest.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm consistently receives praise as a truly wonderful destination, offering a unique opportunity for individuals and families to connect with nature and enjoy fresh produce. “Harvest partners” frequently visit to gather a diverse array of healthy and often organic vegetables and herbs, all meticulously cultivated with care and respect for the environment. Beyond the bountiful crops, visitors can also pick beautiful flowers, adding to the charm of the experience.
The farm provides a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere, making it particularly appealing for families, as children often delight in helping with the harvest. For those not registered as harvest partners, there’s still plenty to discover; guests can relax at the charming Weij Bar with a coffee or tea, or participate in various organized activities. A highly recommended highlight is the honey tasting experience offered by Bijdebuytebij, described as both educational and delightfully pleasant. The lead gardener, Remko, is frequently lauded as an intelligent and social individual, keen to share his knowledge and foster this beautiful initiative that promotes a deeper connection to nature and a wholesome, community-oriented lifestyle. Harvest partners also appreciate the regular weekly updates on available crops.