Introduction
Courgettes, also known as zucchinis, are a popular choice for home gardeners in the southeast of the UK. These prolific producers are easy to grow and can provide a steady supply of fresh, tasty vegetables throughout the summer.
Why grow courgettes?
Courgettes are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fibre. Growing your own courgettes ensures you have fresh, pesticide-free produce readily available. They are also versatile in the kitchen, perfect for a wide range of dishes.
Suitability for different growing environments
Courgettes thrive in well-drained, fertile soil and prefer a sunny location. They can be grown in the ground or large containers, making them suitable for various garden setups.
Lifecycle
Courgettes are annual plants. They are sown in spring, grow rapidly through summer, and are harvested from mid-summer until the first frosts. The plants die back after the first frost, completing their lifecycle in one growing season.
Sowing and harvesting periods
- Sowing: Late spring (April to June)
- Harvesting: Mid-summer to autumn (July to October)
Recommended varieties
Some popular varieties of courgettes include:
- ‘Defender’
- ‘Black Beauty’
- ‘Tromboncino’
- ‘Gold Rush’
How to sow
Sow courgette seeds indoors in pots in late spring, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep. Transplant the seedlings outside after the last frost when they are about 3 inches (8 cm) tall. Alternatively, sow seeds directly in the ground once the soil has warmed up, spacing them 3 feet (90 cm) apart.
How to prick out/pot on
Seedlings grown indoors should be transplanted to their final positions when they are about 3 weeks old. Handle the seedlings carefully to avoid damaging the roots. Harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before planting out.
Where to plant
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil. Adding compost or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting will improve fertility and drainage. Avoid planting courgettes in areas where other cucurbits have been grown recently to prevent disease build-up.
How many to plant (spacing)
Plant courgettes 3 feet (90 cm) apart within rows spaced 4 feet (1.2 m) apart. This spacing ensures each plant has enough room to spread out and grow without overcrowding.
How to plant
Dig a hole and plant the courgettes at the recommended spacing. Water the plants well after planting and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Protecting your plants
Young plants can be vulnerable to slugs and snails. Use organic slug pellets, beer traps, or hand-pick them off the plants. Protect seedlings from late frosts by covering them with fleece or cloches.
How to feed and water
Water courgettes regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist. Apply a balanced fertiliser or liquid feed every few weeks during the growing season to support healthy growth and prolific flowering.
How to propagate, prune/manage while growing
Courgettes are usually grown from seeds, but you can also propagate them from cuttings. Remove any side shoots that are not producing fruit to keep the plants tidy and ensure good air circulation.
How and when to harvest
Harvest courgettes when they are young and tender, about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long. Regular picking encourages the plants to produce more fruits. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the courgettes from the plant, avoiding damage to the vines.
How to store
Courgettes are best eaten fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. For longer storage, blanch the courgettes and freeze them. This helps to preserve their flavour and texture.
How to eat/cook
Courgettes can be steamed, boiled, grilled, or roasted. They make a great addition to salads, stir-fries, or can be used in baking. To prepare, simply wash and slice the courgettes into manageable pieces.
How to deal with pests and disease
Common pests include slugs, snails, and aphids. Use organic methods to manage these pests. Watch for diseases such as powdery mildew and cucumber mosaic virus. Practice crop rotation and good garden hygiene to reduce the risk of disease.
When and how to remove the plants
Remove plants after the first frost has killed them. Cut down the vines and compost them. Dig up and compost the roots as well, or leave them in the ground to decompose naturally, which will help enrich the soil.
What to plant before and after
Courgettes can follow crops that have been harvested early in the season, such as early peas or lettuce. Adding compost or manure before planting will help improve soil fertility. After harvesting courgettes, you can plant autumn or winter crops such as kale, spinach, or winter lettuce. These crops will benefit from the enriched soil left by the courgettes.
What to interplant with
Companion plants for courgettes include marigolds, which help repel pests, and beans, which fix nitrogen in the soil. Avoid planting with other cucurbits to reduce competition for nutrients.