How to Grow Courgettes in Containers

In the U.S., courgettes are called zucchini.

Courgette is the British term for zucchini squash. All types of squash are vigorous growers and, with a little care, they can grow in containers on a patio or deck. Courgettes grow in the warmth of summer. They are large, sprawling plants that require a large container. A half-barrel with holes in the bottom for drainage is ideal.

Things You'll Need

• Small flower pot
• Large container
• Compost
• Potting soil
• Seeds
• Trellis
• Liquid fertilizer

Instructions

1. Start courgettes from seeds two weeks before the last frost date for your area. Fill a small flowerpot with potting soil or compost. Push a hole in the compost with your finger and place two or three seeds in the hole. Cover the seeds. Water well and place the pot on a sunny windowsill.

2. When the courgettes have sprouted and grown for two weeks, remove all but the strongest seedling and discard. Leave only one healthy plant in the pot.

3. Position the large container in an area that receives a lot of sun. Fill the container with potting soil and compost. After the danger of frost passes, transplant the courgette seedling you started indoors to the large container.

4. Add a trellis if space is limited. Train the courgette plant to climb the trellis rather than sprawl.

5. Keep your plant watered and feed it with a liquid fertilizer once a week. Pick the squash when they are about 4 inches long to keep the plant producing. A well-maintained plant can produce many courgettes.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't let the soil dry out. Keep the soil moist. Water every day if the plant sits in the sun, but don't allow it to sit in water.

• Don't overwater! Courgettes/squash like moist soil but will not tolerate sitting in water.

References

• Ohio State University Extension: Growing Cucumbers, Peppers, Squash and Tomatoes in Containers
• Plots2Plots: Growing Courgette & Marrow
• Organic Vegetable Garden: Growing Courgettes