Daniel Schafer
Communications
Washington's backyard gem
Washington is known for its agriculture. From apples, cherries, and potatoes to wheat, cattle, and wine, the list of Washington's agricultural achievements is long. But traditionally, zucchini is not among those widely known and massively produced foods in our state.
While Washington might not top the charts as a leading squash producer in the U.S. — USDA lumps zucchini in with other varieties of squash in its yearly data — zucchini has firmly established itself as a mainstay in the state's backyards. That’s due in part to the Pacific Northwest's mild climate and fertile soil providing an ideal environment for zucchini cultivation. Because this vegetable flourishes in Washington with relative ease, it’s a prime choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. The bountiful harvests zucchini yields have led it to become a staple in local gardens, enriching both home-cooked meals and community connections, as many gardeners have experienced the yearly ritual of trying to give away all the extra zucchini they grow.
The versatile zucchini
Aside from the fact that most backyard gardeners end up with more zucchini than they can consume all at once, what truly sets it apart is its incredible flexibility in the kitchen. You can use zucchini for culinary creations that fit almost every taste, from an easy breakfast (mix zucchini chunks into your eggs), to a filling dinner (add some zucchini to your stews or soups), to dessert (zucchini bread), there's not much this squash can't do.
One of the most exciting opportunities that zucchini offers is for people looking for gluten-free options. For example, zucchini pasta and zucchini brownies offer flour-free alternatives to traditional pasta and baked goods.
Try adding zucchini to your garden
If you're thinking about starting a backyard or community garden but you're not sure what to plant, consider zucchini. Its generous yield and flexibility in the kitchen make it a rewarding addition to any garden, big or small. Novice gardeners will find solace in zucchini's forgiving nature, while experienced horticulturists can explore innovative ways to maximize their harvest. What's more, while giving your extra zucchini to friends and neighbors is a great way to share your bounty, you can also freeze it so you can enjoy this tasty veggie year-round (jump ahead to the 7:00 mark in this video to learn how). In so many ways, zucchini is a Washington crop that just keeps giving.