Zucchini (Part 1)
In Europe zucchini is known as courgettes. This vegetable is best when picked very young. Bushes are quite fruitful and the plant is ideal for containers. It has elongated shape and both green and yellow varieties are available for gardeners. Young zucchini is excellent in salads and the older varieties are better when cooked.
Zucchini like warm weather and will not survive in frosts. It need a lot of sun and will grow well in almost any soil with good drainage. Zucchini is a heavy feeder and the addition of appropriate fertilizer will greatly improve results. Keep the garden free of weeds and cultivate it lightly so as not to disturb the shallow root structures.
Plant the seeds in spring when the soil has completely warmed. Plants can be sowed indoors 4-6 weeks before to speed the harvest. To sow directly outdoors, place several seeds 1/2 inch deep hole. Leave 3 feet between these “holes”.
When they germinate, remove unwanted seedlings by cutting them off with scissors at ground level.