Zucchini are some of the most easygoing plants you can grow. They aren’t picky about where they live or how much attention they get, which makes them a perfect addition to your garden, balcony, or patio.
Prepping Your Garden Bed
If you want to get ahead of the game, start prepping your soil in the fall. Planting a cover crop is a great way to naturally loosen up the dirt; it’ll die off over the winter and can be tilled right back into the soil come spring. Mixing in some well-rotted manure during the off-season also works wonders for your future harvest.
Didn’t get around to it last fall? No worries! Just before planting in the spring, mix in some fresh compost, aged manure, or another organic fertilizer like horn meal.
You’ve got plenty of options for where to put your zucchini. They love a traditional garden bed, but they’re just as happy hanging out on a sunny balcony or terrace.
-In the Garden
Since zucchini originally hail from South America, they are total sun-worshippers. Find them a spot that gets full sun and stays nice and warm. If you’re into companion planting, try putting them near beans and corn—these three get along famously in the garden.
You might have heard of people planting zucchini directly on top of a compost pile, but I’d actually advise against it. Zucchini are “heavy feeders,” meaning they’ll suck all the nutrients out of the compost before you can use it for your other plants!
Instead, plant your zucchini right *next* to the compost pile. That way, the plant can soak up the nutrients that wash out when it rains. Plus, those giant zucchini leaves provide great shade, which keeps your compost pile from drying out.
If you have a greenhouse, that’s another fantastic option. It stays warm and bright, which lets you plant earlier and start harvesting sooner.
-Balcony and Terrace Gardening
Don’t have a big yard? No problem! A large pot on a balcony works just fine. A sunny spot is best, though they can handle a bit of partial shade if necessary. Just remember that when growing in containers, you’ll need to be a bit more diligent about regular watering and fertilizing.
Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate how much room these guys need! A full-grown zucchini plant can easily take up about nine square feet (a 3×3 area), so give them plenty of elbow room.
