Few vegetables are as prolific and easy to grow as zucchini and summer squash. The hardest part is figuring out what to do with the abundance of squash you’ll find yourself having!
How to Plant Zucchini and Summer Squash
Start: Sow directly into fertile, warm soil after danger of frost has passed. Plant 1-2 seeds 1” deep and 36” apart. When seedlings have two sets of leaves, thin to one plant.
Water: Zucchini need plenty of water, 1-2” of rain per week. Keep soil moist but not saturated. One or two deep waterings a week is better than many light waterings.
Soil: Zucchini grow best in a well-drained soil amended with compost. pH 6.0-7.5
Light: Full sun.
Fertilize: An all-purpose fertilizer with plenty of nitrogen will suffice for the fast-growing zucchini. Use according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Harvest: Harvest early and often when fruits are small and still shiny. Do not let fruits mature as this may cause the plant to stop producing. To pick, twist the squash until it snaps off.
Notes: Male flowers are also delicious and can be stuffed and fried.
Helpful Zucchini & Summer Squash Links
Farmer’s Almanac Gardening By the Moon Calendar
Companion Planting: 10 Veggies That Should Grow Together
There’s Still Time To Grow These 5 Summer Vegetables!
Zucchini & Summer Squash Recipes
Summer Vegetable Gratin
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