How to plant zucchini step by step

Planting zucchini is easy

Planting zucchini is easy

If you have an orchard and are thinking of introducing a productive but easy-to-care vegetable, one of the most recommended is zucchini. This plant is easy to grow and bears plenty of fruit over a long period. Obviously, First we have to know how to plant zucchini.

In this article we will explain how to do it step by step, both in the ground and in a pot. In addition, we will discuss how long these vegetables take to bear fruit.

How is zucchini planted?

Zucchini can be planted in the ground or in a pot

Zucchini can be planted in the ground or in a pot

Before explaining how to plant zucchini, we must first know when is the best time for it. It is important to note that the seeds of these vegetables They need warm temperatures and plenty of light to grow well. since they do not support frost well at all. Knowing this, we can already deduce that it is best to plant them in spring if the climate is suitable. In the northern hemisphere, the most recommended months are April and May.

It should be said that in colder climates the crop has to be delayed. In the case of warmer climates, it is advisable to advance the cultivation a little, since the sun in extremely hot summers can be quite damaging to the young zucchini. We also have the option of planting the zucchini in a pot or in a seedbed and grow them initially at home to later transplant them. In this case, advancing sowing a few weeks is perfectly feasible.


when zucchini are planted at homewhen zucchini are planted at home

Related article:

When are courgettes planted?

Taking into account the sowing season, Let’s see how to plant zucchini step by step:

  1. Prepare the land: First we must choose an area with enough sun to plant the zucchini there. Once the site has been selected, we have to provide the soil with a large amount of compost or earthworm humus. For this, the soil must be removed well and done at least two weeks before planting the vegetables.
  2. Introduce the seedlings: Then we must dig a small hole of approximately six inches. The bottom will have to be filled again with organic matter or humus. The contribution of nutrients is of the utmost importance when growing courgettes. Keep in mind that we must respect a meter distance between each plant, since they tend to grow a lot. Regarding the depth of the vegetable, we must bury it up to the height of its first two leaves. The goal is for it to establish itself firmly and thus be able to grow stronger. For this we can crush the earth around with our own hands. In this way we will eliminate the air pockets that may have formed.
  3. To water: After introducing the seedlings into the ground, it is time to water generously. When caring for zucchini, it is necessary to water it often. It is best to do it around the vegetable, without getting the stem wet. Doing it regularly and providing organic fertilizer, such as liquid worm smoke, the plant will greatly appreciate it.
  4. Mulching the crop (optional): Although it is true that it is not necessary to mulch the crop, it is highly recommended as it greatly reinforces it. Through this we will ensure that the earth maintains optimal humidity and temperature for the courgettes.

How to plant zucchini in a pot

In the event that you want to plant zucchini first in a pot or seedbed to transplant it later, you can prepare seeds already at the end of winter to the beginning of spring. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Choose the seedbed: We can use seedlings that are sold in garden stores or take any small container, as long as it is waterproof and we make some drainage holes. A good example would be yogurt containers.
  2. Prepare the seedbed: Once we have the seedbed, it is time to prepare it properly so that the zucchini seeds can grow. For this we must fill it with a universal mixture for seedbeds. Generally, these mixes are made from equal parts of coconut fiber, worm castings and peat. In addition, it is advisable to add some vermiculite and perlite.
  3. Introduce the seeds: It is best to add the seeds in threes. In this way we make sure that at least one germinates for each group that we have planted. You have to bury them to a depth that is twice their size and water afterwards abundantly.
  4. Locate the seedbeds: When the seeds are sown, it is time to place the seedbed in a warm place that has abundant but soft light. After a week they should already be germinating.
  5. Select plants and transplant: After having grown a little more, we have to select the strongest specimen of each group. When they measure between ten and fifteen centimeters, we can transplant them to their final location, which can be either a garden or a large pot.

How long does it take for zucchini to bear fruit?

We can harvest zucchini six weeks after planting

We can harvest zucchini six weeks after planting

Now that we know how to plant zucchini, let’s see how long we have to wait until we can harvest the first fruits. Luckily, this vegetable is fast growing. In just six weeks we will be able to make the first harvest of this plant, as long as we have taken good care of it. And this is not all, zucchini plants produce fruit throughout the summer and even much of the fall if the weather is warm enough. But how do we know if we can already reap the fruits? There is a very simple trick: if we gently stick the nail in, we will know if it is ready and ripe if it enters easily. If it costs a little, better wait a few more days.

Regarding the quantities, it should be noted that zucchini are generally very healthy and productive plants. For this reason we must be careful when planting them and not overdo it so as not to accumulate a large number of fruits that we will not be able to consume. If all goes well during cultivation, each zucchini plant can give us around six fruits. This is more than enough for a family of four. In the event that the harvest is too abundant, the best thing we can do is store the fruits in a well-ventilated and cool area with temperatures between ten and twenty degrees. This way they will be better preserved.

As you can see, zucchini are simple plants to grow and very productive. So do not think twice and introduce them into your garden, surely you will not regret it.

How to plant zucchini step by step

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