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How to Grow Courgettes and Zucchini
Courgettes and Zucchini Courgettes and zucchini are the same. In England
they are called courgettes, in the USA and Italy they are called
zucchini. Originally they were simply marrows which were
harvested young. Nowadays, they will still grow into marrows but
they have been specially bred to be harvested at their best when
only about 10cm (4 in) long.
COURGETTE AND ZUCCHINI QUICK GUIDE Latin Name Type Site and Soil Plant to Harvest Time Yield
They originated in Mexico so they thrive in an open,
sunny position protected from harsh winds. Sowing Courgette (Zucchini) Seed
It is a good idea to place
cloches in position a month earlier so that they warm up the soil. This
greatly increases your chances of success when using cloches. Although courgettes (zucchini) like lots of moisture at
the roots, they will rot if there is too much moisture around the base
of the plant. This is why the seeds are sown or small plants are planted
as described below.
At the time of planting / sowing, dig out the top soil
to one spade's depth in an area of 45cm (1ft 6in) square. Fill about one
third of the hole with well-rotted garden compost. If none is available
grass cuttings will be fine. Then put back all or most of the top soil
in the hole. You should end up with the soil over the hole in a slightly
raised mound. Each planting / sowing position should be 1m (3ft) from
the others.
If sowing outside, place the two seeds in each planting
position covered with 1.5cm (�in) of soil. If transplanting small
plants, then they should be to the same depth as they are in the pot. To make watering easier, inset a small pot into the
ground (open end upwards) near the plant or seeds. This will allow you
to pour water into the pot and it will go directly to the roots.
Although they are technically a fruit we have included this
article under the vegetable section because that's how most people
refer to them.
Cucurbita pepo ovifera
Half hardy annual.
Good draining rich soil. Full sun
12 to 14 weeks.
Average of 15 fruits per plant
Courgettes (zucchini) grow extremely well on compost heaps as
long as the heap is kept moist. This gives a good clue as to the
conditions they prefer when they grown in the open ground. The soil
should be well dug and well-drained but also able to be kept moist. The
soil should be rich in nutrients, more so than most other vegetables. Having said that,
courgettes will grow on most soils.
Sow the seed outside without protection around the date of the last
frost,
early May
is about right
in
. If you are sowing with cloche protection or starting seeds off
indoors, sow about three weeks earlier.
Name: Diane
E-mail: miela.djohnson@tiscali.co.uk
Date posted: August 22, 2011 - 07:42 am
Message: I have put my courgettes in pots this year, and I have found them to produce less fruit after the initial rush. Could this mean there are not enough nutrients in the soil (I have fed them). The outer leaves have gone dry, yet there are still new leaves being produced, though the fruit tends to be small, pale and soft. What have I done wrong, and do the courgette plants have a short life, or should they still be producing?
Name: Lorraine
E-mail: yencsikl@yahoo.com
Date posted: August 17, 2011 - 03:40 pm
Message: Hi, I have a zucchini plant in my Flower Garden, and do no know how it got there? What a surprize, it was, its been growning good, up on this thrillis I have , it has one small plant on it so far, what do you think of that? So I hope it keeps going untill fall. Ha. So I wonder how that came about any Ideas? Thanks, Garden Lover here....
Name: kevin kelly
E-mail: kevinjameskelly@hotmail.com
Date posted: June 06, 2011 - 08:49 pm
Message: hello i have just started to grow courgettes and would liketo share growinvg tips please