Zucchini is a total garden favorite for a reason—it’s prolific, delicious, and super satisfying to grow. To make sure your planting journey is a breeze and your harvest is huge, I’ve put together some of my favorite tips and tricks for getting started.
Setting the Stage for Success
If you’re ready to start your own zucchini plants from seed, the key is to give them exactly what they need right from the get-go. First, grab a packet of seeds from your favorite garden center (there are so many cool varieties to choose from!). Once you have your seeds, keep these three things in mind:
- Timing is everything
- Find a bright, sunny spot
- Use high-quality soil
The Timing
If you want a head start, I highly recommend starting your seeds indoors around mid-April. This gives you nice, sturdy starts by the time planting season rolls around in mid-May.
If you prefer to sow your seeds directly in the garden, wait until the “Ice Saints” have passed in mid-May. You want to be absolutely sure there’s no more danger of frost before those little seeds hit the dirt.
The Right Spot
Zucchini are sun-worshippers! They crave warmth and light from day one. A bright windowsill or a greenhouse is perfect for indoor starts.
When it’s time to move to the garden, pick the sunniest bed you have. The more sun they get, the better they’ll grow and the more squash you’ll get to eat.
Choosing Your Soil
For indoor pots, grab a bag of high-quality seed-starting mix. You can also use compost mixed with a little bit of sand for drainage.
If you’re planting directly into your garden beds, work some compost or seed-starting soil into the ground first. This gives your seeds the nutrient-rich “bed” they need to wake up and start growing.
How to Sow in Pots
- Fill a 4-inch (10 cm) pot with soil.
- Press the soil down slightly and poke one or two seeds about a half-inch to an inch (1-2 cm) deep.
- Firm the soil over the seeds, place the pot on a saucer, and give it a good drink of water.
How to Sow in the Garden
Before you plant outside, make sure to loosen the soil well. Zucchini are heavy feeders, so it’s a great idea to mix in some slow-release fertilizer, horn meal, or well-aged manure. Plant your seeds about an inch deep. Just remember: these plants get huge! Make sure to leave about three to six feet (1-2 meters) of space between each plant so they have room to breathe.
Caring for Your Seedlings
Until it’s time to transplant your pots into the garden, your little seedlings need some TLC. Keep the soil consistently moist, but be careful not to overwater—you don’t want them sitting in a swamp! The same goes for seeds planted directly in the ground; keep that soil damp so they can sprout easily.
Pro Tip: On warm days, feel free to let your potted seedlings get some fresh air outside. Just keep them out of direct, harsh sunlight at first so you don’t scorch that tender new growth.
