Organic fruit and veggy farm, specialized in old fruit varieties (60 varieties in total)
Gelderland
We are De Sterregaard, a family-run organic fruit and vegetable farm located in the beautiful countryside of Hedel, Netherlands. Our farm is a testament to sustainability, biodiversity, and a love for nature. For over 35 years, we have cultivated a wide variety of fruits, including apples, pears, plums, and cherries, alongside small-scale vegetable production.
The farm is managed by Thomas and his mother, Marti, who have poured their hearts into continuing the legacy after the passing of Thomas’s father. Our family believes in creating a meaningful connection with the land, fostering community, and producing high-quality organic food.
We share our space with a few friendly pets—A cuddly cat named Balou who love visitors and a small flock of chickens who contribute fresh eggs to our daily meals. The farm is also home to a diverse ecosystem of birds and other wildlife that thrive in our pesticide-free environment.
We’re excited to welcome WWOOFers to join us in nurturing this special place and learning about the rhythms of organic farming.
At De Sterregaard, our farming activities are deeply rooted in organic principles and the rhythm of the seasons. Our focus is on growing a wide variety of fruits like apples, pears, plums, and cherries, as well as some vegetables like tomatoes and beans. We also run a small farm shop and distribute weekly produce boxes to our local community.
Typical Farming Activities:
• Pruning fruit trees and maintaining orchards
• Planting, weeding, and harvesting crops
• Sorting and packing fruits and vegetables for weekly delivery
• Maintaining our vegetable garden and greenhouse
• Caring for chickens, including feeding and collecting eggs
• General maintenance of the farm, such as repairing fences and cleaning equipment
What WWOOFers Can Learn:
• Organic farming techniques, including crop rotation and composting
• Tree pruning and care for fruit production
• Packaging and logistics for direct-to-consumer food systems
• Small-scale sustainable business practices
• Community-building in a farm setting
• The importance of biodiversity and environmental stewardship
Accommodations:
WWOOFers at De Sterregaard will stay in a cozy and comfortable guest room located in our farmhouse. The room is private and includes a comfortable bed, basic furniture, and shared access to a clean bathroom with hot water. If you prefer, there’s also the option to camp on our property during the warmer months, surrounded by the peaceful orchards.
Our home is warm and welcoming, and WWOOFers are treated as part of the family during their stay. We provide Wi-Fi, access to the kitchen, and a communal living area where we often gather in the evenings to share stories or relax after a day on the farm.
At De Sterregaard, we believe in a well-rounded lifestyle that balances work, relaxation, and exploration. Here’s a bit about us and the area around our farm:
Hobbies and Interests:
• Music & Dancing: Thomas, who co-manages the farm, has a passion for music production and DJing, as well as dancing salsa. The farmhouse often has a creative and lively atmosphere, and WWOOFers are welcome to join informal music sessions or simply enjoy the vibe.
• Cooking: We love experimenting in the kitchen, creating meals from farm-fresh produce. From Dutch classics to international dishes, cooking together is a fun and rewarding activity. If you’re passionate about cooking, you’re welcome to join us!
• Gardening: Beyond farming, we enjoy working in the smaller herb and flower gardens around the house, which add color and biodiversity to the farm.
• Outdoor activities: We’re big on outdoor living, whether it’s tending to the orchard, cycling through the countryside, or enjoying a peaceful evening in our outdoor seating areas.
What’s Nearby:
• Hiking and Biking: The farm is surrounded by beautiful Dutch countryside, perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. There are many scenic trails winding through the orchards, fields, and nearby villages.
• Rivers and Swimming: The Maas River is close by and offers opportunities for swimming, kayaking, or simply enjoying a peaceful riverside walk.
• Cultural Excursions: The charming towns of Hedel and Zaltbommel are nearby, offering local markets, historic sites, and cozy cafes. If you’re up for a day trip, Den Bosch is just a short drive or bike ride away and is known for its vibrant culture, museums, and delicious local pastries (“Bossche Bollen”).
• Community Events: We are actively involved in the local community, so depending on the time of year, there might be markets, farm tours, or seasonal celebrations that you can join.
Whether you’re into learning new skills, enjoying the tranquility of nature, or exploring the local culture, there’s always something to do at or around De Sterregaard. We look forward to sharing our lifestyle and interests with you!
Somos De Sterregaard, una granja familiar 100% orgánica ubicada en el encantador pueblo de Hedel, Países Bajos. Nos dedicamos al cultivo de frutas como manzanas, peras y ciruelas, además de verduras de temporada. Thomas, junto con su madre Marti, dirige la granja con pasión y dedicación tras el fallecimiento de su padre. La granja tiene un fuerte compromiso con la sostenibilidad, la biodiversidad y la comunidad local. Vivimos con dos perros amistosos y ocasionalmente alojamos voluntarios, amigos y familiares.
Las tareas diarias incluyen cosechar frutas, mantener los cultivos y empaquetar productos para nuestros clientes. Nos encanta enseñar sobre la vida orgánica, las técnicas de cultivo y la conexión con la naturaleza. Los WWOOFers tendrán una habitación privada o compartida en nuestra casa y compartiremos comidas saludables preparadas con productos de nuestra granja. En tu tiempo libre, puedes explorar rutas de senderismo, nadar en lagos cercanos o disfrutar de nuestro pequeño café agrícola.
Thomas vivió en Sudamérica durante un tiempo y habla español con fluidez, por lo que disfrutamos especialmente recibir a hispanohablantes. Nos encantaría compartir nuestras experiencias y aprender de las tuyas mientras trabajamos juntos en nuestra hermosa granja. ¡Esperamos conocerte!
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Poultry farming
Beekeeping
Flower farming
Aromatic or medicinal plants, teas
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Traditional crafts
Food justice / sovereignty
Methods or systems
Biological pest control
Biodynamic agriculture
Holistic management
Regenerative agriculture
Thomas
Member since 2024
Languages spoken:
Dutch, English, Spanish
Response rate: 95%
Response time: typically within 6 days
November 2025
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Open
Planned visit
Closed
Gelderland
Den Bosch/Eindhoven
Reviews
Sebastian
Austria
•
October 2025
I had a great time at Thomas' beautiful farm in Gelderland. Thomas was always very approachable, he always guided me on all the activities, and whenever I needed something he was there to help. I gained a lot of insight about fruit farming, the economics of running such a farm, and many other things. I feel very grateful for having this opportunity.
Joanna
Netherlands
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May 2025
I spent 10 days at De Sterregaard and it was a great experience. The owners are truly knowledgeable and environmentally conscious, passionate about organic farming and a sustainable lifestyle. I learned about biological pest control, fruit tree upkeep, food packaging and more. My favorite experience was the weekly fruit and vegetable market, where I could see the impact of all the hard work on the community.
I stayed in the cosy apartment with another volunteer. We worked around 5 hours a day and helped out on Saturday, but it was flexible. The food was provided and always organic; we usually cooked together with the WWOOFers. The owners made me feel welcome and valued, shared their life experiences and gave great advice for my future. Thank you for your kindness and the parting gift! I hope I can visit again for the harvest :)
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Dolly
Argentina
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May 2025
My time at De Sterregaard was lovely. Thomas and Marti made me feel part of the family from day one and felt very welcome and confortable. There were always volunteers and new people visiting the farm almost everyday, so that made it even more fun. The task at the farm were very diverse and fun, Thomas was always very happy to explain and teach and open to receive new ideas. The farm is lovely and they host a farmer's market each Saturday so you can meet new people from around the area and I loved that. I already miss the farm, the chickens, Thomas and Marti. Hope to be back soon, hopefully in summer to harvest the fruits this time. Very thankful for this experience, would definitely recommend to everyone!
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Iris
Netherlands
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May 2025
De Sterregaard is a very special place, not only because the orchard is beautiful and has so many varieties of fruit and nuts to offer, but also because of the warmth and enthusiasm Thomas and his mother have for the place. They have a lot of knowledge to share. I only spent a few days here, but I fully enjoyed the meals and conversations we've had!
Reply from Thomas
Thank you, Iris, for your message, presence, and energy. Always welcome back!
Thomas & Marti
De Sterregaard
