Summer Squash: Zucchinis (Courgettes)
Zucchinis, also known as courgettes in England, are a warm-season vegetable that is very popular to grow and eat. Zucchinis are a summer squash that is very fast-growing, easy to care for and produces in abundance. You don’t need to plant too many to have enough Zucchinis for your family. Two or three zucchini plants is enough for a small family. Here are tips on how easy it is to plant and grow zucchinis, or if you prefer courgettes, in your vegetable garden.
When growing zucchinis, add tomatoes and parsley and you have a complete meal in the making straight from your backyard.
Zucchinis (Courgettes) At A Glance
Type: Annual
Location: Full Sun
Fruit Season: Summer
Where To Grow And How To Care For Zucchini (Courgettes) Plants
How To Grow Zucchinis (Courgettes) From Seed
You can grow Zucchini (Courgettes) plants easily from seeds. You can start seeds indoors about three to four weeks before planting outside subject to the final spring frost. Don’t sow outside until soil and night temperature are warmer; generally, it is in the Pacific Northwest during May or June. If planted outside earlier, check the forecast daily and protect the young zucchini plant with a cloche. Plant the seeds about 2.5 cm (1 inch) deep. They can germinate quickly in seven to 10 days. Keep well-watered during this time, ensuring it does not dry out. It is necessary to harden off your young plants before planting in your vegetable bed to help them climatize from growing indoors to the outdoors. Place your young plants outside every day and bring them in at night for about one to two weeks.
Inclement Weather: Protect Young Zucchini (Courgettes) Plants With A Cloche
Zucchini (courgettes) are susceptible to frost. Young zucchinis planted out in May may need to be covered up individually with a cloche. Especially overnight to protect from chilly winds or frost. You can purchase a purpose-made cloche, or make your own using a plastic bottle – though it is limited in space. Remove the cloche in the morning once the threat of frost is gone. During spring, I use garden black plastic as a base to keep the warmth overnight. This can be removed once night temperatures are warmer.
Pruning Zucchini (Courgettes) Plants
Pest Problems
Most garden pests enjoy zucchinis; of course they would – aphids, slugs and snails, squash bugs and beetles. Check your zucchinis daily to counter any infestations.
Zucchini (Courgettes) Flowers
Harvesting Zucchinis (Courgettes)
When harvesting, cut the Zucchini at the stem. Don’t pull it. Leaving part of the stems on, and store in the fridge to keep fresh. Harvesting produce may need to be done daily as summer squash can produce quite the harvest! The most flavourful fruit are young ones that are about 15 cm (6 inches). Though you can leave them to grow larger. They are a little less flavourful but good for baking if stuffed, or slow-cooked with tomatoes. And of course, the current trend of having zucchini noodles instead of pasta is delicious – and super healthy!
