Best Crops to Grow for a Profit in Washington
- Potatoes – worth a little more than $5,000 per acre
- Apples – there are over 11 billion apples grown per year in Washington, it’s a popular staple to say the least, worth over $12,000 per acre
- Wheat – Occupy the most acreage , it’s worth about $485 per acre
- Barley and Hops – Not just for beer, it’s worth about $6,000 per acre
What vegetables grow well in Washington State?
Carrots, broccoli, and lettuce actually all do really well growing in Washington state! All three are cool weather vegetables, meaning they do not like the hot hot heat (think Arizona desert heat, or Texas heat where temperatures soar to over 100 degrees). These vegetables actually like the temperature to be in the 70s.
Why is Washington a good state for agriculture?
Rich soils, diverse climates and large-scale irrigation make Washington State one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world, allowing us to produce over 300 different crops. Agricultural production, food processing, and trade represent a significant segment of the state’s economy.
What is the planting zone of Washington State?
Washington Planting Zones Washington has a varied climate east to west. East of the Cascade Range, it has a dry semi-arid climate, whereas western Washington experiences a Mediterranean climate.
What is Washington state known for growing?
Washington ranks first in the U.S. for production of 11 commodities, including apples, sweet cherries, pears, hops and red raspberries. Growers' production ranks second in the U.S. for an additional eight commodities, including potatoes, grapes and onions.
What are the top 3 crops grown in Washington?
In terms of revenue generated Washington's top five agricultural products are apples, dairy products, beef cattle and calves, wheat, and potatoes.
What crops does Washington State produce?
The industry generates more than $20.4 billion in revenue annually. Washington is the #1 producer of apples, blueberries, hops, pears, spearmint oil and sweet cherries. The state is the #2 producer of apricots, asparagus, grapes, potatoes and raspberries in the U.S.
What fruits and vegetables are grown in Washington state?
Washington Seasonal Fruits and VegetablesApples, August through November (cold storage until spring)Apricots, June and July.Artichokes, September and October.Arugula, May through December.Asparagus, April through June.Basil, June through November.Beets, June through January.Blackberries, July through September.More items...•
What is Washington's largest crop?
applesWashington agriculture In addition to being the top agricultural crop in the state, apples also make up 20% of total agricultural products by value. The Top 10 agricultural commodities are apples, milk, potatoes, wheat, cattle, hops, hay, cherries, grapes, and onions.
What fruit is Washington known for?
appleWashington is the nation's top apple-producing state, so it is appropriate that the apple was named a state symbol in 1989, the centennial year. A favorite fruit around the world, the apple comes in many different colors, sizes and varieties.
Is Washington good for farming?
Rich soils, diverse climates and large-scale irrigation make Washington State one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world, allowing us to produce over 300 different crops. Agricultural production, food processing, and trade represent a significant segment of the state's economy.
What foods is Washington State known for?
Washington state is known for its fresh coastal seafood, eastern vineyards and, of course, abundant coffee shops. But it's also home to a diverse community of farmers and foragers that grow and harvest ingredients like lavender, asparagus, mushrooms and peated barley.
What is Washington's second biggest export crop?
Top 10 Exports:RankProductValue1Fish and Seafood$1 billion2Wheat$962 million3Frozen French Fries$847 million4Apples$643 million6 more rows
What fruits are native to Washington state?
Washington state today leads the nation in producing apples, cherries, blueberries, hops and pears, according to the state Department of Agriculture. Apricots, asparagus, grapes, potatoes and raspberries are also big crops in which the state lands in second place.
Can you grow broccoli in Washington state?
Broccoli can be directly sown in your garden April through July in the Portland area. Be sure to amend planting area with 4” of composted manure before sowing seeds. Plant seeds ¼ “ deep in rows 24‐36” apart.
When should I plant my garden in Washington state?
On average, you can start planting in Washington state when the date of your last frost has passed. A good way to determine this is by contacting your local Extension office. Another tip is to watch maple trees. As soon as they begin to leaf out you should be okay to plant.
What is Washington's second biggest export crop?
Top 10 Exports:RankProductValue1Fish and Seafood$1 billion2Wheat$962 million3Frozen French Fries$847 million4Apples$643 million6 more rows
What is grown in western Washington?
Fall and Winter Vegetable Gardens for Western WashingtonBEANS. Plant Bush beans until late July to produce a good crop before frost. ... BEETS. Beets can be planted until August 1 and produce a dependable crop. ... BROCCOLI. ... BRUSSELS SPROUTS. ... CABBAGE. ... CHINESE CABBAGE. ... CARROTS. ... CAULIFLOWER.More items...•
What is the biggest cash crop in the Yakima Valley?
hopstried a variety of crops, and discovered hops generated the most cash.
What are Washington's major industries?
Fixed-wing aircraftWashington / Major exportA fixed-wing aircraft is a heavier-than-air flying machine, such as an airplane, which is capable of flight using wings that generate lift caused by the aircraft's forward airspeed and the shape of the wings. Fixed-wing aircraft are distinct from rotary-wing aircraft, and ornithopters. Wikipedia
How much was Washington's 2017 agricultural production?
For the most recent production rates, see the USDA's October 10, 2018 press release, " Value of Washington's 2017 Agricultural Production Totaled $10.6 Billion ."
Is Washington a producer?
In conjunction with Washington's top 10 crops, we are also a leading producer of many other crops nationally. See the chart below to see how Washington crops stack up against the rest of the nation in production in 2019.
What kind of fruit trees do well in Washington?
Apples, pears, sweet cherries, and other stone fruits (peach, nectarine, apricot, and so on) are successfully cultivated for commercial markets in Washington, and they may also be grown in one’s garden at home.
What are the greatest fruit trees to plant in Seattle?
For the time being, I’ll attempt to figure out what the most frequent fruiting plants that thrive in Seattle are: Apples, Plums, Pears, Cherries, Raspberries, Blueberries, and Strawberries are listed in no particular sequence.
Is it true that walnut trees grow in Washington?
Many nut trees, such as the almond, black walnut, and filbert trees, thrive in Washington.
Is it possible to cultivate pecans in Washington?
Yes, pecans can be grown well in our area. The majority of pecan trees are hardy, but certain types aren’t. Pecans were first discovered growing in the Mississippi drainage from Texas to Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska.
What kind of nut trees may be found in Oregon?
The climate in Oregon’s Willamette Valley is suitable for cultivating hazelnuts. In fact, the Willamette Valley produces almost all of the hazelnuts farmed in the United States. The hazelnut was designated as Oregon’s official state nut in 1989. Filberts, often known as hazelnuts, are farmed for their exquisite taste.
Is it true that almond trees grow in Oregon?
Although late spring frosts may harm early blossoming or leafing crops, most fruits and nuts yield well. Apples and pears thrive when spring frosts are common or cold air lingers in low valleys, while almonds and apricots are difficult to cultivate. Walnuts may be harmed at high altitudes.
Is it possible to find black walnut trees in Oregon?
According to Gary Goby, hybrid black walnut thrives in deep, well-drained soils in western Oregon. Its soil needs are comparable to those of commercial fruit trees, and the Ohio State University Extension Service has created maps of appropriate valley soils to serve as a reference to landowners.
What vegetables can be grown vertically?
Great for Vertical Gardening: Peas are one of the few vegetables that are perfect for vertical gardening. Vertical Gardening is popular in the cities of Washington and even in the suburbs where land for horizontal growing is scarce.
What vegetables can you cross pollinate?
Perfect Cross-Pollinator: Squash may be the best vegetable on this list to help to cross-pollinate other vegetables. Plant squash next to tomatoes, beans, carrots, and cucumbers for even more vegetables.
When to expect slugs on lettuce?
You’ll most likely find slugs on your lettuce in spring or fall when the weather is cool or wet. If you plant it in the shade where the soil is damp you should expect slugs too.
Can squash be grown in cold weather?
Squash is one of the most versatile vegetables. Some varieties can be grown in cold weather, some can be grown in warmer weather, and some are perfect to be grown in both types of weather.
Is kale an ornamental plant?
Kale is the only vegetable on this list that can also be considered an ornamental plant. This means it can add color, features, and beauty to any type of garden.
Is lettuce good for gardening?
Lettuce is perfect for urban gardening and even gardeners with little space. It is great in gardening containers, raised garden beds, and even indoors.
Can lettuce grow in the cold?
Cold Hardy: Lettuce thrives in Washington’s cold spring and cooler fall months. Unlike other vegetables, this plant can grow even when there is snow or frost on the ground.
Read THIS Before Growing Flowers in Washington
Knowing what hardiness zone Washington is in is critical to understanding the best flowers that can be grown.
Additional Resources
Did you know that Lilies are the most popular summer-blooming flower in Washington? And it is also one of the least expensive perennials flowers to grow.
Additional Resources
Learn more about black-eyed susans and other spring flowers that attract pollinators HERE.
