How to Grow Zucchini Squash
Zucchini is a member of the the squash and pumpkin (or cucurbita) family
of vegetables. It is perhaps the best known, and most joked about of the
many varieties of squash. Zucchini is indeed a prolific
producer. A couple of plants in the garden, and you have plenty for family,
neighbors, and friends. By mid-summer, you can't give zucchini away, as everyone
has two or three in their refrigerators. Along with being a prolific producer,
zucchini also readily cross breeds with many members of the cucurbita family,
including pumpkins. Some very strange and interesting cross breeds (Mutations!)
can result in future crops if you save the seed.
There are literally hundreds of recipes of zucchini. Enjoy them in generous
quantities in the summer, as they are not good keepers. When the gardening
season is over, they are gone.
Varieties:
Zucchini is a summer squash. This family of squash has soft, edible skin,
with a very short shelf life.
Days to Maturity:
Zucchini is a fast grower. Plant them today, and you will be eating them
in about 45 to 55 days.
How to Grow Zucchini:
Growing zucchini is easy, perhaps too easy.
Plant zucchini seeds in rows or hills, planting seeds one inch deep. Row
spacing is dependent upon the variety you are planting. In hills, plant four
to five per hill. After they have germinated, keep the best two to three
zucchini plants. Water the first day and if there is no rain, every two to
three days until they germinate. Zucchini likes well drained soil, but will
grow in most soils.
We chuckle at the idea of adding fertilizer to such a great producer, but
some soils are poor in nutrients. If your soil is poor, or if last year's
crop was less than stellar, a side dressing of fertilizer and regular feedings
of fertilizer will significantly improve the health of the plant, and the
size of the harvest.
Insects and Pests:
The Cucumber Beetle is the dreaded pest of the cucurbita family. There is
no exception for zucchini. Cucumber Beetles are either striped or spotted.
They feed on the leaves of the plants, and can cause even greater damage
by spreading disease from one plant to another. Vine borers are another huge
threat. We consider Squash Vine Borers Public Enemy #1 of the cucurbita family.
They bore into the vine, near the base of the plant. Given a little time,
they will chew right through the vine, killing the plant.
Cucumber Beetles are effectively controlled with most insecticides. Squash
Vine Borers require stronger insecticides. Read the insecticide label, to
make certain it is effective against Squash Vine Borers.
A variety of other pests can also cause problems, depending upon where you
live.
Diseases of Zucchini Plants:
As a member of the Cucurbita family, zucchini is susceptible to a variety
of bacteria and fungus diseases. Among the most common, are powdery mildew
and bacterial wilt. Plant disease problems are most common in hot and humid
weather, and especially towards late August as the plant is aging and weakens.
Promoting a strong, healthy plant, coupled with fungicide treatment, will
help to avoid these problems.
Treat with fungicides at the first sign of problems.
Harvesting:
Pick zucchini when they are young (four to six inches) and tender. Some people
wait until the fruit becomes a monster. While definitely still edible, it
is tougher and the skin may need to be peeled.
Some people enjoy seeing just how big they can grow them! If this is you,
grow one or two monsters for show. Pick small ones to eat.
Hardiness:
Zucchini is not a hardy plant. It is susceptible to frost in the spring and
fall. They are also very susceptible to insects and disease. Fortunately,
these prolific producers overcome these threats to produce a bountiful crop.
As you plan to grow, them make sure those plans include how to use the large
quantity you will have.
More Information:
Top Ten Signs You Have Too
Much Zucchini
National Zucchini Bread Day
Pumpkin Zucchini Nut Bread -
Here is a neat recipe for some of that excess Zucchini.
Sneak Some Zucchini on Your Neighbors Porch Day - Now
here is a very special day for gardeners with way too much Zucchini!!!
Buy Vegetable Seeds Finest quality Ferry Morse Seed,
America's oldest seed company with their famous "guarantee to grow".
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