How to Grow Zucchini - Don't Waste

They need light, full sun exposure, and a warm climate. Light, well-drained soil and plenty of water are also required. Furthermore, they shouldn't be planted in the same spot every year. Growing zucchini in a simple pot balcony Or in the garden, it's easy, and the plant, which grows like a bush, also has a decorative effect. Valuable in the kitchen, they are in fact a perfect ingredient for preparing many dishes. recipes delicious, from appetizer to Dolce, Zucchini is a vegetable that is truly rich in properties that are important for our health. as well as for our physical shape, since they contain a high amount of water. Growing courgettes does not require much time: just place the plant in a fairly sunny area and to water with some regularity. Here's how to proceed.

Index of topics

The terrain

The soil must be very fertile to allow the fruits to develop. It is estimated that for 10 m2 of soil, 30-40 kg of manure or compost are needed. In pots, use spacious and deep containers since the taproot (root) of the plant tends to go deep.
To ensure that the soil is always well drained and to avoid water stagnation cover the bottom of the jar with some gravel or expanded clay.
Also choose a good soil and bury the seedlings or seeds using a wooden awl.
After transplanting the seedling, cover it with a light layer of mulch. To prevent weed growth, it would be a good idea to mulch the soil or with straw or with special sheets.

Sowing

First, choose round courgettes, which are more suitable for growing in pots, or climbing varieties that can be grown on special supports.
The right time to sow courgettes in pots is from April to the beginning of May.Sowing in seedbeds should instead take place around February-March: in this case, as soon as the shoots have put on some leaves and reached 8-12 centimeters in height, you should transfer them to a pot at least 40-45 centimeters wide. If you have more space available in the garden, take advantage of it and space the seedlings at least 80 cm apart, preferably one meter.
Remember to leave only one zucchini plant per potIf you have a long and roomy pot, you can also place several plants in it, making sure they are spaced at least 30 centimeters apart.
If you decide to grow climbing courgettes, also get some sticks to support the plants and string to tie them together so they stay in place.
Make sure the plant has lots of light At your service.

Watering and harvesting

Remember to water the seedlings often, even twice a day if necessary, especially early in the morning and in the evening at sunset.
As regards instead the collected, it usually happens from May to September depending on the sowing period and the area in which it is carried out and in addition to the courgettes it will also allow you to harvest the flowers of zucchini. There are early and late varieties that can bear fruit until late autumn.
Also remember to Do not plant zucchini in the same area two years in a row.. In fact, it would be advisable to use them the first year and then wait three before putting them back in the same soil.

How long does it take to grow zucchini?

The fruits of the zucchini plant are cylindrical or spherical, green, and very tender. How long does it take to see them? After planting the seeds, the plant will produce fruit in about 10-15 days. Another 15-30 days and the first fruits appear, which continue until winter. The zucchini plant is very generous, and during harvest time can produce up to one fruit per day.

How to increase production?

To increase zucchini production, traditional farmers maintain an ancient custom: they water the plants thoroughly and frequently. But they are very careful not to wet the leaves. Zucchini needs water, but not on the leaves, and this allows the fruit to grow more consistently and progressively.

The diseases

Zucchini can be affected by aphids or diseases such as powdery mildew. Then there are whiteflies, called aleurodids, which cause yellowing of the leaves. If they appear, try to remove their traces manually. A very useful flower for zucchini, and to protect the plants, is the calendula.

Property

They contain mineral salts, especially potassium, iron, phosphorus and vitamins, especially the E and those of group B. But not only that: courgettes are also a source of lutein, a carotenoid important for eye health. Not to mention that the peel is rich in carotenoids and folic acid. There are therefore many good reasons not only to bring zucchini to the table often but also to grow them in pots directly on the balcony or terrace.

Recipes with zucchini

Zucchini is widely used in cooking, at various levels and in all kinds of dishes. Here are a few.

Pasta with ZucchiniA classic of Mediterranean cuisine, with lots of basil.
Calamarata with courgettes. Fragrant recipe, to be made with the red onion from Tropea.
Zucchini saladFresh, healthy side dish full of vitamins.
Pancakes with zucchiniBoth sweet and savory dishes can be prepared.
Zucchini and chocolate cakeUnusual, original, and loved by vegans.

How to grow courgettes