Instructions for Growing Zucchini

Growing zucchini is a relatively easy process and generally yields a bountiful crop. When grown in good conditions the vegetable will offer fiber, protein, vitamins, phosphorus, copper, potassium, magnesium, riboflavin, and manganese. It is a very healthy food and a great addition to any diet.

Plants can grow in almost any climate, inside containers, and even inside the home. It is a warm weather vegetable that is sensitive to cold temperatures and to frost. Although it can grow successfully in most places, colder areas will see a shorter growing season. Planting seeds in full sun is recommended, but partial shade is also acceptable.

Soil should be a good quality and rich in nutrients. Fertilizer, compost, or manure make great additions. Although plants grow in a wide variety of soil types, they must be well draining or problems will occur.

Plant seeds around an eight inch tall mound with an indentation in the middle. Each mound should be spaced out by at least three feet. Seeds should be placed half an inch deep all around each one. As seedlings grow, thin them out so there are three for every mound. After the appearance of true leaves, they can be thinned further to one or two plants.

During the removal of crowding plants, make sure that they are not pulled out of the ground. This often destroys the root systems of neighboring plants. Instead, cut them off at a location level with the ground. In this way the other plants structures will not be harmed.

Plants require routine watering. If this is not done, the developing fruit will fall from the vine. While watering, make sure not to get the stems or leaves wet, as this will cause wilting in hot temperatures. Moist soil will not cause problems.

As the first fruit begins to develop, add a quality fertilizer. Then immediately water the area. Be careful not to over fertilize plants, as this can backfire. Instead of large vegetables and smaller leaves, overly fertilized plants will have big leaves and a small sized crop.

Common diseases gardeners encounter are a powdery mildew and bacteria caused wilt. One way to minimize these problems is to not handle plants while they are wet. It may also be necessary to fight off populations of aphids or pumpkin beetles that eat growing plants. With good crop rotation most plant diseases can be avoided.

As the fruit nears four inches long, it is time for them to be harvested. If they grow much larger the skin may become tough. Picking the fruit will also cause the plant to grow more end extend the production season. If they are instead left on the vine to grow much larger, the season will be short and result in fewer fruit.

Growing zucchini can be a successful process in most places and in most types of soil. Ideally full sun, good fertilizer, and the ability to fully drain work best. After planting seeds, overcrowding must be eliminated and watering on a regular basis is necessary. By fertilizing plants and harvesting them continually, a long growing season and bountiful harvest can be enjoyed.

Susan writes on vegetable garden topics and tips. Head over to one of her colleague’s articles on growing zucchini for more in-depth advice.

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