Courgettes (or zucchini) are one of the most productive and easy-to-grow vegetables, making them a favorite among gardeners. With the right care, a single plant can produce a bountiful harvest all season long.
But every garden is different–your soil, climate, and watering habits will influence how your courgettes grow. Use this guide as a flexible starting point, and adjust your approach based on what works best in your garden.
Choosing the Right Courgette Variety
Courgettes come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, offering plenty of options to suit your garden and kitchen.
Popular Varieties:
- Black Beauty: A classic dark green variety that’s reliable and prolific.
- Golden Courgette: Bright yellow fruits with a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Round Courgette: Perfect for stuffing and baking.
- Costata Romanesco: Ribbed, heirloom variety with a nutty flavor.
Tip: Try growing a mix of varieties to enjoy different flavors, colors, and textures.
Preparing the Soil
Courgettes thrive in rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Preparing the soil properly will give your plants the nutrients they need to produce an abundant harvest.
Basic Soil Guidelines:
- Add compost or aged manure to enrich the soil.
- Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.5).
- Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Experiment: If you have heavy clay soil, consider planting in raised beds or mounds to improve drainage.
Planting Your Courgettes
- Direct Sowing or Transplants:
- Direct Sowing: Plant seeds directly outdoors after the last frost when soil temperatures reach 21C (70F).
- Transplants: Start seeds indoors 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost and transplant when seedlings have 2 to 3 true leaves.
- Spacing and Depth:
- Sow seeds about 1 inch deep and space plants 24 to 36 inches apart to allow for their sprawling growth.
- Sunlight Needs:
- Courgettes need full sun–at least 6 to 8 hours per day.
- Courgettes need full sun–at least 6 to 8 hours per day.
Caring for Your Courgettes
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Courgettes need about 1 to 2 inches of water per week.
- Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks, especially when the plants start flowering.
Observation Tip: If your courgettes flower but don’t produce fruit, it may be due to poor pollination. Encourage pollinators by planting flowers nearby or hand-pollinate using a small brush.
Harvesting Your Courgettes
Courgettes grow quickly, so check your plants regularly during the growing season.
How to Harvest:
- Harvest courgettes when they are 6 to 8 inches long for the best flavor and texture.
- Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the fruit from the plant, leaving a small stem attached.
Try it and see: Smaller courgettes are tender and great for sauteing, while larger ones can be used for baking or stuffing.
Storing Courgettes
Proper storage helps keep courgettes fresh and flavorful.
How to Store Courgettes:
- Short-Term Storage: Store courgettes in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer for up to 5 to 7 days.
- Avoid Moisture: Do not wash courgettes before storing, as excess moisture can cause them to spoil more quickly.
- Freezing: For longer storage, slice courgettes and blanch them before freezing in airtight bags or containers.
Tip: Use any damaged or overripe courgettes first, as they won’t store as long as fresher ones.
Common Courgette Growing Problems
- Powdery Mildew:
- White, powdery spots on leaves caused by humidity. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
- Blossom End Rot:
- Caused by calcium deficiency or inconsistent watering. Keep the soil evenly moist and ensure proper nutrient balance.
- Squash Vine Borers:
- Larvae that burrow into stems, causing plants to wilt. Use row covers early in the season and inspect stems regularly.
- Larvae that burrow into stems, causing plants to wilt. Use row covers early in the season and inspect stems regularly.
Final Thoughts: Your Garden, Your Courgettes
Courgettes are one of the most rewarding vegetables to grow, offering a generous harvest with minimal effort. While these guidelines provide a strong foundation, the best results come from observing your plants and adjusting your care based on your locale climate and conditions.
Happy gardening, and enjoy your abundant courgette harvests!