Zucchini is a highly productive plant so start collecting your recipes early or you'll be drowning in zucchini's! They are fairly hardy and quick growing, making them perfect for beginner gardeners.

Plant

Zucchini takes up a lot of space in a garden bed. Ideally allow between 70cm - 100cm square space per plant.
Position in a warm, full sun location and prepare soil a week prior with compost and organic manure.
Zucchini grows best in the warmer months but if you live in humid area's plant in late Winter to avoid the peak of Summer. Those in cooler climates can plant in Spring.
Zucchini is highly susceptible to powdery mildew which covers the leaves with a white powder.
To have a consistent harvest of zucchini's, sow seeds or plant seedlings every five weeks.
Plant alongside corn, radish and celery.

During the early stages of growth, water 2-3 times per week. Once established, a deep long soak once or twice per week is sufficient.
Avoiding water on the leaves which will reduce the risk of powdery mildew.
Apply a 3-5cm layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
The zucchini plant produces a male and female flower. The female flower will have a tiny zucchini at the base of the flower.
Assist pollination by transferring the pollen from the centre of the male flower into the centre of the female flowers. One male flower will provide enough pollen for several female flowers.
At 8 weeks, apply well rotted manure or compost around the base of the plant and water in.

In 8-10 weeks you should have your first zucchini ready to harvest. The plant will continue to produce for up to six weeks.
Once flowers appear it will not take long for the zucchini to grow. Keep a close eye on it each day and harvest once it reaches 15cm.
Avoid letting the zucchini grow any larger as it will lose flavour and tenderness. Leaving large zucchini on the plant will stop the plant from developing new growth.
Use a knife to cut the zucchini from the stem and avoid pulling on the plant.

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