Zucchini: Easy to grow, fun to harvest, and delicious in the kitchen.
Growing zucchinis is a great way to get the family involved in the garden. Kids love checking for new fruit each morning and you’ll love how versatile they are in the kitchen, from stir-fries to muffins. They’re quick and easy to grow, too and with just a little care, you’ll be rewarded with a bumper harvest!
Getting started
Zucchini seeds are big and eager to grow, making them perfect for beginners and young gardeners. In warm areas, you can sow directly into garden beds (or plant seedlings) right now. Pop two seeds into a little mound of free-draining soil that you’ve enriched with compost and organic fertiliser pellets. Water in well, then let the soil dry out before watering again – zucchini seeds are prone to rot when kept constantly moist. Once both seedlings are up, thin out the weaker one.
If it’s still chilly where you are, start your seed in small pots and keep them protected from cold in a mini greenhouse – you can buy them at garden centres, or utilise a plastic storage tub that you have laying around. Place it in a sunny spot through the day and bring it inside at night out of the cold. When the soil warms up and the risk of frost has passed, plant your seedlings in the ground.
If space is tight, or you’re gardening on a balcony, zucchini plants also thrive in large pots (about 50cm wide) filled with Pot Perfection. Just be sure to give them a sunny, sheltered spot.
Two plants are generally enough to keep a couple or small family in steady supply – for larger families, go for three plants. Zucchini plants are fast growers and can spread, so space them about a metre apart in the garden. You can also train them vertically on a trellis or tomato stake – a good trick if you’re short on room – just be aware, it will need regular attention to training.
Growing & harvesting
Keep plants happy with deep watering two to three times a week. Be sure to cover the surrounding soil with a 5-7cm layer of The Garden Family Sugar Cane Mulch to lock in moisture. Every month, sprinkle around some more organic fertiliser to support steady growth.
Most plants will start producing fruit within six weeks. To maximise your return, try hand pollination – it’s a fun task to do with kids. Pick a male flower (on a long, thin stem), peel back the petals, and gently dab the pollen onto the centre of a female flower (the ones with a tiny zucchini at the base). Each flower only lasts a day, so check every morning.
Zucchini fruits grow fast! Harvest when they’re about 15cm long for the sweetest flavour. Use a sharp knife to cut them cleanly from the plant. If you miss a few, don’t panic – those oversized marrows are perfect for stuffing and baking.
Problems to Watch For
- Powdery mildew often appears as a white coating on leaves. Remove the worst-affected foliage and spray the rest with an organic fungicide every 10 days.
- Wet weather in warm climates can be tough on zucchinis. During heavy rain, a sheet of clear plastic supported by a simple frame over the vines can help protect plants.
Top Picks
- Black Beauty – classic, glossy green
- Cocozelle – Italian heirloom, striped skin
- Gold Rush – bright golden yellow
- Romanesco – nutty flavour, speckled grooves
- Lebanese – squat, pale green fruit
If you want to read more from Phil Dudman head over to his website now! Grow Your Food – with Phil Dudman
To shop the Garden Family Range head to Bunnings Sugar Cane Mulch 22m2 – The Garden Family
