In long-term care homes across northern British Columbia, a friendly competition is helping residents grow more than just vegetables. The annual zucchini growing contest, now in its third year, has expanded to more than 20 sites in nine communities, bringing together residents, staff, and families in a celebration of gardening, teamwork, and community spirit.
The contest began as a simple idea from Maegen Chamberlain, a recreation therapist with Northern Health (NH). Chamberlain wanted to create a seasonal program that would spark excitement and connection among residents.
“It’s very inexpensive, planting seeds and watching zucchinis grow,” Chamberlain said in an interview. “They grow great here in the North. It’s something that you’re kind of guaranteed for some fruit at the end of it.”
The event quickly became a highlight for residents and staff at Parkside Lodge, Rainbow Lodge, and Jubilee Lodge in Prince George. Gateway Lodge joined the following year. Last year’s winning zucchini reached a length of 19¾ inches.
This year, the contest spread outside of Prince George and across the region, including sites as far west as Terrace, and as far east as Dawson Creek – including long-term care homes, hospitals, and health units.
Erin Branco, a long-term care dietitian, helped bring the competition to more homes after seeing its impact.
“We reached out to everyone, and we actually have a lot of interest, which is exciting,” Branco said. “It’s over 20 different sites across the North, across nine different communities. That’s huge.”
For many residents, gardening is more than a pastime. It’s a way to reconnect with cherished memories and traditions.
“Some people grow up a certain way and they grow their own food at home and provide for their families,” Branco said. “Then they come into long-term care. That’s not their home, but it’s their new home. So much of that home-like environment is taken away.”
The zucchini competition has helped restore a sense of purpose and pride. Residents eagerly share tips - some tried-and-true, others delightfully quirky. One resident insists on warming the water for his zucchinis, drawing on decades of gardening wisdom. Another swears by feeding the plants with milk.
“It’s about the process—the planting, the seed, the memories of that, taking them back to their farm life, their garden, maybe their childhoods,” Chamberlain said.
As the September harvest approaches, excitement builds. Zucchinis are measured and photographed, with prizes awarded for the longest and most impressive vegetables. The biggest zucchinis might not be the tastiest, but each one grown is a testament to teamwork and care.
Thanks to a policy allowing homes to use what they grow; the zucchinis find their way into kitchens and recreation programs. Residents enjoy zucchini bread, muffins, and grilled zucchini at barbecues. Families are invited to share their favourite recipes, and sometimes a resident’s home recipe becomes the star of the day.
“There’s so much pride involved,” Chamberlain said. “Just knowing that they have a little piece of what they grew on their plate for dinner that day is such a rewarding experience.”
If you’re interested in learning more about green-thumb in initiatives in NH facilities, check out this past read: March is Nutrition Month: Bringing green-thumb initiatives to Northern Health facilities.
The competition has become more than a contest. It’s a catalyst for connection. Residents who might not otherwise venture outside are drawn to the garden, eager to water the plants or check on their progress. Staff and families rally around the event, sharing stories, recipes and laughter.
“It’s not about necessarily the end result,” Chamberlain said. “It’s more about the process. Whether you get the award-winning
zucchini at the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter. It’s about the planting, the memories, the purpose and meaning.”
With more than 20 sites now participating, the zucchini competition is poised to keep growing. Branco hopes to expand to other crops in the future.
“We could do the biggest tomato or largest crop of peas, or even the biggest sunflower if people aren’t into growing vegetables. It could be fun,” Branco said.
For now, the zucchinis are enough. They’re a symbol of resilience, creativity and the enduring human need to nurture and connect.
“Doing the zucchini competition is just a fun way to introduce people to growing food in health care,” Branco said. “If all these sites are actually growing food now, we can use that food in 20 different places across the north. It’s a fun, interactive way of introducing people to growing food and then being able to use it in the kitchen.”
In Northern Health’s long-term care homes, the humble zucchini is helping residents grow hope, happiness, and community.
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