De Groentemeester is a self-pick farm and community-supported agriculture (CSA) project located on the site of a former ice rink in Maassluis, Netherlands. The farm spans approximately half a hectare and focuses on sustainable, local food production without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. It is suitable for children and offers free on-site parking.
As a self-pick farm, the farm offers two main activities. For a seasonal subscription (an “oogstaandeel” for €440 per year for 1-2 people), members can pick their own vegetables from roughly mid-May until late November. The farm cultivates around 90 to 100 different vegetables and herbs during that period, including crops such as beetroot, carrots, parsnips, onions, leeks, lettuce, chard, radishes, zucchini, cucumbers, pumpkin, broccoli, several types of cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes. Members receive a weekly harvest email detailing what is available. On top of the vegetable subscriptions, the farm also operates a flower-picking garden, open to the general public from about the end of May until mid-October. A range of seasonal, spray-free flowers such as sunflowers, dahlias, cosmos, and zinnias are available.
The opening hours are divided over three days, though there is a slight discrepancy between the farm’s own communication and the Google Business listing. According to the farm, in the 2026 season, the garden will be open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:00 to 17:00, from about May through November. During this time, subscribers can harvest, and the public is welcome to pick flowers (from June until half of October) and enjoy the Weij Bar for coffee, lunch, or cake. A separate Google listing, however, notes hours as Monday from 12:00 to 17:00, Friday from 11:00 to 17:00, Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00, and closed on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. The farm also hosts a guided tour on the third Sunday of every month from April through November, starting at 14:00.
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.