How to Cultivate Zucchini

Zucchini is a summer squash that can quickly take over the squash patch.

Zucchini is a summer squash easily grown in most areas. There are many varieties of zucchini, all similar in flavor and growth pattern. Some gardeners like to see how large they can get their zucchinis to grow by leaving them on the plant for a long time. Some will grow as long as 20 inches or more and weigh in excess of 10 pounds. Zucchinis of this size are often not as flavorful though, and zucchini should be picked much smaller to optimize their culinary use.

Things You'll Need

• Zucchini seeds
• Shovel
• Rake
• Mulch

Instructions

1. Mound up your garden soil in hill 2 to 3 feet wide and 12 to 18 inches tall. In each hill, you can plant two or three seeds, so build enough hills for the amount of zucchini you want.

2. Push two or three zucchini seeds of any variety about 1 inch deep and 2 feet apart into each of your mounds. Cover the seeds lightly with soil.

3. Water the mounds with a spray nozzle attachment on your garden hose so the seeds don't wash away and the mound doesn't erode.

4. Thin the seedlings once they are between 2 and 3 inches tall to one or two strong plants per hill.

5. Mulch your seedlings with straw or compost to help them drain well and keep the soil moist as they grow. Zucchini roots grow shallow, so it is important to protect them.

6. Harvest your zucchini after they reach at least 6 inches long, but not longer than 12 inche. They can still be used even when they grow very large, but they will grow hard and be less flavorful overall.

References

• University of Florida Extension; Squash, Zucchini?; James M. Stephens; May 1994
• University of Illinois Extension; Summer Squash; Ron Wolford and Drusilla Banks