Zucchini is one of the simplest vegetables to grow in your garden. It’s easy to start and produce lots of zucchini, but there are a few struggles when it comes to growing this versatile vegetable. I’m going to give you my favorite tips on How to Grow Zucchini in your garden.
What is Zucchini?
Zucchini is a green Summer squash often considered a vegetable, they are technically a fruit. There are two types of zucchini plants you can grow; vining zucchini and bush zucchini. Bush zucchini is what I grow in my garden.
When to Plant Zucchini & How to Plant Zucchini Seeds
I plant zucchini seeds directly outside in my garden at the end of April. This is the last chance of frost for our growing zone. My plants are in raised beds filled with topsoil and compost (made from chicken manure). Compost can be purchased, if you don’t make your own.
I’ve also started my seeds indoors in small greenhouses under grow lights. You can find out more about starting seeds indoors in this post.
Growing Zucchini in Containers
Zucchini can be grown in containers in your backyard or on a small patio. Make sure you buy bush zucchini seeds for container gardening.
Tips for Growing Zucchini
- Plant seeds directly in the garden after all chances of frost, as stated above.
- Plant in full sun. 6 hours or more of sun is best.
- Invest in good soil that is organically rich, fertile, and well-draining to help your zucchini thrive.
- Plant on hills. Just mount your soil and plant the seed inside of the mound.
- Give your zucchini plants space. They produce large leaves and consume lots of water. Space will help them grow into healthy plants producing great vegetables.
- Grow zucchini vertically. Use stakes to support zucchini plants and trim the lower leaves. You can also use tomato cages to support the plants.
- Keep an eye on squash bugs.
- Companion plant. Check out this post to learn more, Companion planting.
- Repel insects naturally, lean more from this post, The Best Plants for Repleing Insects.
- Water a lot. Zucchini plants require plenty of moisture. Water in the morning.
- Mulch around your plants. This will help the mositure stay in.
- Weed often. All garden vegetables require plenty of weeding.
How to Harvest Zucchini
I like to harvest my zucchini when they are still on the small side, 5 to 7 inches long. For me, that’s the best time to pick them. They are tender, and the seeds have barely developed, resulting in the best texture and flavor.
Most of the time I just twist my zucchini from the vine, but it is recomended to cut them from the stem, in order to lessen the damage to your plants. Use pruners, scissors, or a knife, cutting off the stem about 1″ to 2″ from the body of the fruit.
Sometimes I miss a zucchini under the leaves and it gets huge! Most of the time I feed those to my chickens. But if you like making zucchini boats, the big zucchini are great for those type of recipes.
What can I make with my Zucchini?
Luckily for you, I have several of my own zucchini recipes I think you will love!
A Roundup of Zucchini Recipes
More zucchini recipes from my fellow bloggers. So many delicious recipes to use up your fresh grown garden zucchini.
