How to Grow Zucchini

Consider how you should start growing squash. There are two main methods of propagating zucchini – either by seeding, or by purchasing seedlings to plant in the garden. If you choose to grow squash from seed, you’ll need to start sowing the seeds four to six weeks before the outdoor growing season in your area. Buying pre-potted plants is always the easiest and less time-consuming way, but may not be as enjoyable as planting seeds.

• There are several varieties of zucchini, but in general the types of squash are generally similar. You may find zucchini classified as “open plant” or “thick plant”, which refers to the way the leaves grow (cow/vine or bush).
• Most bush zucchini are classified as summer squash, and string zucchini are classified as winter squash.
• The color of zucchini varies naturally from slightly yellow, dark green to almost black. Some fruits have very light stripes/spots, this is normal and nothing to worry about.

Know when to plant trees. Zucchini is often referred to as summer squash, because the plants grow the most and produce the best quality fruit in the summer. Some varieties of zucchini are considered winter squash, but this name refers to the time of harvest, not the time of planting. Zucchini is a sun-loving plant and does not grow well in cold soil. Therefore, plant zucchini when the outdoor soil temperature is at least 13°C. This usually happens after the first or second week of spring, when frost season has passed. ^[1]

• If you are unsure about when to plant zucchini, call your local agricultural development office to ask for detailed information on zucchini planting times in your area.

Find the best planting location. Zucchini will grow well in full sun and plenty of room to grow. Find a spot in your garden that gets at least 6-10 hours of sun each day. Remember to choose a soil with good drainage; Zucchini likes moist, but not soggy soil.

• If necessary, you should improve drainage by planting squash on top of the soil or making some changes such as adjusting the soil and drainage system.
• Plant in a south-facing plot for maximum sun (or north if you’re in the southern hemisphere).

Prepare the land. Although not everyone has the time, preparing the soil months before planting will create the best conditions for zucchini plants to grow. Start by mixing garden mulch and fertilizer to provide nutrients to the soil. Test the pH in the soil and adjust if necessary; Zucchini loves soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5. To increase the acidity in the soil (lower the pH), you can add peat moss or pine needles. If you want to increase the alkalinity of the soil (increasing the pH), you should mix lime. ^[2]

• To provide nutrients and organic matter, fertilize the soil 1 month before planting, then mulch the garden until planting time.
• If the soil doesn’t drain very well, you can add sand to improve drainage.

Drills. If you don’t want to plant seeds directly into the ground, you can start sowing seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before planting them outdoors. Prepare your seeding tray, soil-free potting mix, and seeds. Place each seed in a tray, cover with a 0.3 cm thick layer of potting mix, and be sure to water well! You need to place the tray in an area with sunlight and a temperature of at least 16°C. When the second pair of leaves grows out, you can take the plant out to the open air.