Zelfpluktuin Groenhof is a pick-your-own garden and small-scale farm located in Hoorn on the island of Terschelling. The garden specializes in environmentally friendly and sustainable cultivation, growing produce without artificial fertilizers or pesticides. Open during the summer months, the farm welcomes both young and old to explore and harvest.
From roughly early June through the end of summer, visitors can pick a variety of summer fruits including strawberries, cherries, blueberries, plums, gooseberries, mirabelles, red currants, white currants, and black currants. The garden also features a flower meadow where you can cut your own bouquet from a mix of annual and perennial field flowers, bulbs, and tubers. A selection of fresh vegetables and herbs is available for picking as well.
The property also includes a newly developed food forest, designed to promote biodiversity and nature-inclusive horticulture. It incorporates native plants and shrubs that bloom throughout the year to support bees and insects, a natural water system, and minimal soil disturbance to maintain soil health. During harvest months, guests can visit and collect whatever vegetables, herbs, flowers, or fruit are ready. This project is supported by the Iepen Mienskip Funds and Waddenfonds, and involves local primary school students and volunteers in planting and upkeep.
Operating hours during the picking season are Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and also on Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The garden is closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The exact opening date each year depends on when the first fruit ripens, typically around the beginning of June. The site offers picnic tables, is suitable for children, and is wheelchair accessible with accessible parking and entrance. Payment is accepted via debit card and contactless mobile payment.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm offers a delightful and unique experience, consistently praised by visitors for its wonderful concept and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. It’s considered a must-visit spot, especially for families with children, providing a fun and engaging outing.
Guests can enjoy picking a wide variety of fresh, organic, and unsprayed produce, including seasonal fruits like strawberries, cherries, plums, and various berries (such as blueberries, redcurrants, gooseberries, and whitecurrants). They can also harvest vegetables like beans, chard, and zucchini, alongside beautiful field and cut flowers. While the selection is seasonal and popular items can run out quickly, the farm typically provides daily updates on what’s available, advising early visits for the best choice.
Beyond the picking experience, the farm serves as a beautiful and spacious place to relax. It features comfortable seating areas in both sun and shade, offers free-to-borrow picnic blankets, and encourages guests to linger. Visitors can refresh themselves with delicious, freshly made fruit smoothies, homemade muffins, lemonade, coffee, or tea. There’s also a charming on-site shop selling local, organic products like jams, honey, and soaps. The owners are noted for being very friendly and hospitable, contributing to the overall pleasant and convivial ambiance on the island.