Planting

Zucchini

Planting Time Zucchini jumps into action the moment warm weather shows up. Plant it after the last frost when the soil feels warm enough. These plants love heat, sunshine, and attention.

Depth & Spacing Plant seeds one inch deep and space plants about thirty inches apart. Zucchini grows faster than gossip in a small town. Give each plant elbow room or they’ll tangle up and start feuding.

Soil & Fertilization Rich, well-draining soil mixed with compost or aged manure will make zucchini happier. Add a nitrogen boost early on, then ease up once the plants start flowering. Too much late nitrogen gives you big leaves and tiny zucchini.

Watering Needs Water deep and steady at the base of the plant. Zucchini likes about one inch of water per week. Keep the leaves dry to avoid powdery mildew creeping in.

Sunlight Requirements Zucchini needs six to eight hours of sunshine each day. Shade turns them moody and unproductive. Put them in full sun and they’ll churn out zucchini quicker than folks say, “I already have six zucchini in my fridge!”.

Harvesting Pick zucchini when they reach six to eight inches long for the best flavor. Wait too long and you’ll grow green baseball bats. Daily harvesting keeps plants producing and stops them from switching into lazy-old-mule mode.

Growing Tips Mulch around the base to lock in moisture and keep weeds. Watch for squash vine borers and squash bugs. Rotate planting spots yearly to avoid soil issues.

Captain Greenhouse Tip Plant two or three zucchini and you’ll have enough to feed your family, your neighbors, and anyone thinking about cutting back on carbs.