Find a local pick your own farm here!

Summer Squash U-Pick Orchards in Marin and Sonoma counties in California in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for summer squash that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have summer squash farms that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

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Sonoma County

  • Bloomfield Farms - beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, U-pick and already picked, restrooms, school tours
    12550 Valley Ford Road, Petaluma, CA 94952. Phone: 707-876-3261. Email: upick@bloomfieldfarmsorganics.com. Open: 9pm to 2pm on the last Sunday during the months of May, June, July, August, September and October. Directions: 1.0 miles west of Bloomfield on Valley Ford Road. If coming East from Valley Ford the farm is 3.1 miles West. See our website for more specific directions. Thanks!. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
    Bloomfield Farms Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 707-332-9209RSVP: It's not mandatory but please email to confirm your attendance and the size of your group. This helps with planning for our staff, food and other items to meet your needsEach week we typically have 28 to 30 crops available for harvesting and u-picking; Tomatoes begin in late August for usUPDATE for 2021, Their website hasn't been updated since 2014. Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me(UPDATED: March 21, 2021 JBS)
  • Grandmas Pumpkin Patc - apples, pomegranates, pumpkins, summer squash, U-pick and already picked, Grandmas Pumpkin Patch - apples, pomegranates, pumpkins, summer squash, U-pick and already picked, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, face painting, petting zoo, farm animals, school tours, group reservations, events at your location (call for info)
    17740 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg, CA 95448. Phone: 707-431-8058. Email: lastminutejenny@msn.com. Open: daily Monday thru Sunday form 10 am till Dark; September 26th through October 31st. Directions: From Santa Rosa; Highway 101 north to the Lytton Springs Exit. At the exit go right. Go over the railroad tracks and go right. Patch is 2nd house on the left. go down driveway and park in the back to enter patch. From Ukiah; Highway 101 south to the Lytton Springs Exit. At the exit go left. Go over the railroad tracks and go right. Patch is 2nd house on the left. go down driveway and park in the back to enter patch. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. . Alternate Phone: 707-293-5750 All groups are welcome. Size does not matter, We are handicap accessible. Music on the week ends from 10am till 4pm. Parking and entrance is of course free. (ADDED: September 24, 2015)
  • Love Farms Organic Produce - Certified Organic, beans, beets, blackberries, blueberries, broad beans, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplants, flowers, grapes, herbs or spices, melons, onions, peas, raspberries (Spring, red), summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
    15069 Grove Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448. Phone: 707-433-1230. Email: rlove@lovefarms.com. Open: UPDATE for 2021, They may have closed; Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me, their last reported hours were April to November 9 am to 5 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, WIC Vouchers, SFMNP Vouchers.
    Love Farms Organic Produce Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 707 433-6274 We are certified organic for all crops!
  • Sonoma Broadway Farms - Uses natural growing practices, carrots, cucumbers, flowers, herbs or spices, lavender, melons, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Fresh eggs, porta-potties are available, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties
    20675 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476. Phone: 415-497-0137. Email: janderson814@gmail.com. Open: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm from July 1st to October 31st. Directions: 20675 BroadwayHwy 12 on the way into Sonoma, between the streets Watmaugh and Leveroni. Located one-mile from Sonoma Square. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. 20675 Broadway/Hwy 12 on the way into Sonoma, between the streets Watmaugh and Leveroni. Located one-mile from Sonoma SquareWe use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification (UPDATED: September 3, 2023, JBS)

 

Summer Squash

Summer Squash Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

summer squashSummer squash comes in many varieties and sizes. Choosing a summer squash that meets your needs and the taste you will like can be tough without a guide!  This page provides you that information, plus nutritional analysis and links to our freezing and canning pages!

Summer squash is best when harvested very young and used right away,

The yellow and orange flesh of the summer squash is nutritious and rich in vitamins,

Size:

Younger small summer squash are almost always better, with firmer flesh and smaller seeds

Appearance:

For a quality squash, choose one that has a smooth, shiny skin and is free of cracks, wrinkles or soft spots. .

Picking the squash

It's best to use a knife and cut through the stem that attaches the squash to the rest of the plant. Some squashes can be snapped off without a knife but you may damage the plant, so a knife is best. 

Storing Summer Squash

Summer squash do not have a long shelf life and require refrigeration except for a few hours. Even in a fridge, they should be used within a few days as they will begin to become soft and dry out after a few days. Cut pieces of squash should be tightly wrapped and refrigerated. Luckily, cut squash can be frozen for use later. .

Varieties of Summer Squash

Below are the most popular summer squash varieties. Each variety has its own unique flavor and texture, making them versatile ingredients in a variety of dishes

Name Photo Description Best uses
 Zucchini   Versatile and can be used in various dishes such as saute's, stir-fries, grilled, roasted, or baked into bread or muffins.
Straight, cylindrical green squash with a smooth skin.
Yellow Crookneck   Distinctive curved neck with yellow skin and a bulbous base.
Ideal for grilling, saute'ing, or as a colorful addition to salads and soups.
Costata Romanesco   Ribbed Italian zucchini with dark green stripes. Perfect for slicing and grilling, or used in pasta dishes and frittatas.
Cousa   Middle Eastern variety with light green or pale yellow skin. Often stuffed and baked, used in stews, or sliced and added to soups.
Eight Ball   Small, round zucchini with dark green skin. Perfect for stuffing, grilling, or slicing into rounds for saute's and stir-fries.
Greyzini   Unique hybrid between zucchini and pattypan squash. Can be used interchangeably with zucchini and pattypan in various recipes.
Pattypan   Small, round or scallop-shaped squash with pale green or yellow skin. Great for stuffing, roasting, steaming, or slicing and using in stir-fries or salads.
Sunburst   Small, scallop-shaped squash with yellow skin and scalloped edges. Great for grilling, saute'ing, or using as an attractive garnish for dishes.
Ronde de Nice   Small, round zucchini with pale green skin. Ideal for stuffing, roasting, or slicing and adding to soups and stews.
Yellow Crookneck   Distinctive curved neck with yellow skin and a bulbous base.
Ideal for grilling, saute'ing, or as a colorful addition to salads and soups.
Yellow Straightneck   Similar to yellow crookneck, but with a straight neck and yellow skin. Excellent for grilling, saute'ing, or slicing into salads and stir-fries.

 

 

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)