You don’t have to rely on the grocery store to get your hands on fresh zucchini! You can easily grow a huge variety of these summer favorites right in your own backyard, or even in pots on your patio or balcony. Trust me, it’s totally worth it—you’ll be rewarded with a massive harvest!
So Many Varieties to Choose From
Originally from South America, zucchini now come in a stunning array of colors.
The most common type is the classic cylinder-shaped green zucchini. You can also find the exact same shape in bright yellow, which tends to have a slightly milder flavor. Both can be harvested small or large. If you pick them young (between 4 and 8 inches), they’re incredibly tender and even delicious raw.
Striped varieties are also a popular choice for home gardeners.
Then there are the round ones, often called “Pattypan” squash, which look a bit like little UFOs. They taste amazing, but fair warning: if you let them get too big, peeling them can be a bit of a workout! The good news is that no matter which variety you choose, they all have the same basic care needs.
Where Should You Plant Them?
Always give your zucchini a sunny spot. If you can find a place that’s also protected from the wind, your plants will be even happier. Since they’re native to warmer climates, they really crave that heat to thrive.
Pro Tip: You can start your own seeds indoors or just pick up a healthy, established plant at your local nursery.
How Do I Care for My Zucchini?
Watering Needs
Just like their cousins the pumpkins, zucchini are thirsty plants. During dry spells, you’ll want to give them a deep soak every other day. If you’re growing them in pots, keep a close eye on them—since there’s less soil to hold moisture, they’ll dry out much faster.
When watering, try your best to keep the leaves dry. Zucchini are prone to powdery mildew, and wet leaves are basically an open invitation for fungus to move in.
Fertilizing
Zucchini are “heavy feeders,” meaning they get hungry throughout the growing season. You’ll need to supplement the soil with a standard garden fertilizer, or if you’re feeling crafty, you can whip up your own organic liquid teas at home.
Pruning
For the most part, you don’t need to prune zucchini. They don’t grow long, wandering vines that need to be cut back. Just be careful when you’re harvesting the fruit—don’t accidentally snip off the main growing tip, or the plant will stop producing.
That said, feel free to trim off any dead or diseased leaves whenever you see them. This helps the plant focus its energy on the fruit and improves airflow and sunlight.
Harvesting
The secret to a long season is to harvest your zucchini constantly. This encourages the plant to keep producing new fruit. At about 4 to 8 inches long, they are super mild and tender. If you let them grow into “monsters,” you’ll likely need to peel the tough skin and scoop out the seeds before cooking.
Good luck with your garden—I hope these tips help you grow a bumper crop!
