De Hommelhoeve in Empe is a small, nature-inclusive farm where visitors can pick their own seasonal vegetables and fruit. The farm operates a self-harvest garden, open to subscribers who pay a fixed fee for the season. For €375 per adult (reduced rates for children), subscribers can harvest fresh produce weekly from April or May until the winter, when supplies run out. The garden yields a variety of crops, including strawberries, peas, beans, fennel, kohlrabi, onions, lettuce, radishes, and herbs, depending on the season.
Picking is straightforward: visitors collect what they need from the garden, weigh their harvest, and record it. The farm provides tools and containers, though bringing your own is also an option. If you prefer not to pick, pre-packed seasonal vegetable boxes are available while supplies last.
The farm also sells meat, eggs, and other products from its animals—Brandrode cattle, Duroc pigs, and free-range chickens—in a small on-site shop. Offerings include grass-fed beef, pork, chicken, and eggs, as well as bone broth packs. Prices are listed on the fridge door in the shop.
De Hommelhoeve follows biodynamic and organic principles, certified by Demeter. The farm is accessible for wheelchair users, with designated parking and an accessible entrance.
Camping is available for those who want to stay overnight. Tent pitches cost €5 to €10 per night, with additional fees for adults and children. The farm occasionally hosts events, workshops, and volunteer days, where visitors can help with tasks like gardening or haymaking.
The farm is run by Ferdi and Jasmijn, who also offer courses on composting, biodynamic farming, and vegetable gardening. For more details or to arrange a visit, contact the farm directly.
What visitors say
Visitors come for the self-pick garden and the friendly, hands-on approach. The farm grows a wide variety of seasonal produce—frambozen, bessen, aardappels, and vegetables—all cultivated biodynamically. Picking is straightforward, though some note the rows aren’t always easy for wheelchairs. The owners take time to explain things and welcome volunteers to help out, which many find a rewarding way to spend time there. Kids enjoy the space, and the setting—with cows grazing and ooievaars nesting—adds to the relaxed feel.
Most praise the quality and variety, though a few mention the lack of shade near the Zigeunerwagen and a hard bed. Prices aren’t a common complaint, but communication can be hit or miss; one visitor struggled to get a response about a course. The pipowagen is a popular spot for a quiet stay, though it’s basic. The gardens are well-kept, and the atmosphere is warm, but it’s worth checking ahead if you’re counting on something specific.