Soil
Well-drained soil enriched with plenty of compost.
Position
Full sun.
Frost tolerant
Cannot tolerate frost.
Feeding
Drench plants with a liquid fertilizer when they begin to blossom and set fruits.
Companions
Nasturtium and Zinnia.
Spacing
Single Plants: 1′ 11″ (60cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 1′ 11″ (60cm) with 1′ 11″ (60cm) row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Sow seeds 1 inch deep in spring, either in rows or hills. Also may be started from seedlings started indoors or purchased at stores.
Notes
Keep plantings small, to fewer than a dozen plants. Other types of summer squash help pollinate one another because they are of the same species.
Harvesting
Harvest zucchini when they are young and tender, about 6 inches long, before the rinds begin to harden. Use a knife to cut fruits from the plants.
Troubleshooting
Squash bugs and squash vine borers can be serious pests. Exclude them from young plantings with row covers.