FEATURESTORY
by Donna Brown
Growing Zucchini
Z
ucchini is one of the most prolific producers
of the summer vegetable garden. Using heir-
loom seeds allows you to save the seed for a
sustainable harvest year after year.
Zucchini Facts
Heirloom seeds differ from hybrids because they
produce the same characteristics year after year. The
most common heirloom variety of zucchini is the black
beauty. This zucchini can be picked within 50 days of
sowing the seeds. It is a shiney, greenish black and
should be picked with it is 6 to 8 inches long.
Since Zucchini (cucurbita pepo, cucurbitaceae) is
one of the most prolific producers, planting no more
than 3-5 plants per person that will be eating them will
be enough have this vegetable all summer long. This
summer squash produces prolifically from early sum-
mer until the first frost. Zucchini is commonly green,
but yellow varieties also exist. It should be planted
after the last frost day in the spring and is usually har-
vested within 60 days.
Planting & Growing
◆ ◆ Plant when all danger of frost has passed
◆ ◆ Planting depth is one-half inch
46
◆ ◆ Plant
them 3-4 feet apart
required until harvest is50-70 days
◆ ◆ Pick them at six inches in length for a continuous
crop throughout the summer
Zucchini is sensitive to cold temperatures so be
sure to plant seeds one week after the last expected
frost date. Zucchini grown from seed will produce just
as quickly as a transplanted plant so save the expense
and grow from seed.
Like most annual garden vegetables, zucchini likes
rich well-drained, loamy soil. Squash is a heavy feeder,
so be sure to add copious amounts of compost to the
soil where it is planted. Plant it in hills of 2 or 3 seeds
that are 3 feet apart.
During the growing season the plants should re-
ceive about one inch of water per week. If possible,
water the zucchini using drip hoses and do not handle
them when they are wet. Mulch heavily and remove
any weeds that escape through the mulch which helps
prevent many of the diseases that affect zucchini.
◆ ◆ Time
Pest Control
A number of pests can damage these plants.
Squash vine borers look like one inch long white cat-
erpillars. They tunnel into the vine and can go unde-
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April 2018