Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) is a warm-weather crop grown in all of Sunset’s Climate Zones. This summer squash is harvested when immature; large, mature fruits develop a rock hard skin and large seeds. A small family only needs a couple of plants to supply them with zucchini all summer. This vegetable needs about four feet of garden space to grow without crowding. Zucchinis grow well in areas covered in fog most of the summer as well as areas without much rain during the summer.
Remove all the weeds and grass from an area located in full sun. Dig up the soil 8 to 12 inches deep with a shovel to break up the dirt clumps. Spread a 3- to 4-inch layer of well-rotted compost over the planting area. Mix this into the top 6 inches of soil to increase the soil richness and improve drainage. Rake the area smooth and check the soil temperature with a thermometer. Do not plant the zucchini seeds until the soil temperature is at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Create 12-inch-tall hills by scraping the soil in a pile with a garden hoe. Space the hills three to four feet apart. Tamp down the top of the hills gently to create a flat top. Plant four to six zucchini seeds 1/2 inch deep on top of each hill. Cover with soil.
Sprinkle water over the planting area until the soil is wet to 1/2 inch deep. Keep the soil moist while the seeds are germinating. The seeds sprout in one to two weeks. Water the soil once a week in cool weather or twice a week during hot, dry weather.
Pull up the weak seedlings when they are 3 to 4 inches tall. Leave only three of the strongest plants per hill. As the plants grow larger, spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch, such as straw, around the base of the plants. This helps regulate soil temperature and reduce moisture loss.
Feed the zucchini plants every two to three weeks with an organic liquid fertilizer such as liquid seaweed. Follow the package directions to dilute the fertilizer. Do not use high-nitrogen fertilizer since it encourages the growth of leaves and vines rather than fruit.
Cut zucchinis off the stems with a sharp knife when they are 6 to 8 inches long and 1 1/2 to 2 inches around. The first zucchinis should be ready for harvest 35 to 55 days after planting. Remove flowers for eating in the early morning before they close and store them in the refrigerator with their bases in water.
Things You Will Need
- Garden hoe
- Organic liquid fertilizer
- Zucchini blossoms that shrivel up without setting fruit is a sign of lack of pollination. Pollinate the flowers manually by rubbing the inside of male flowers against the inside of female flowers. If you prefer, you can use a finger to gently transfer pollen from one flower to another.
- Squash bugs and cucumber beetles cause the zucchini leaves to wilt and damage the fruit. Check under the leaves and destroy any egg clusters found. Drop adult pests in a jar of soapy water to drown them.
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