Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Zucchini (Courgette)
Also known as the Summer Squash, the Zucchini is a most versatile vegetable, ideal for
stews or casseroles as it absorbs flavours fantastically. Just to confuse the issue it is also re-
ferred to as a Courgette in some areas.
A warm weather vegetable it is prone to excesses of heat or frost, but if properly cared for
will produce an abundant crop of delicious fruits.
Planting:
Seeds should be planted indoors 2-3 weeks before the last of the spring frosts, and should
not be transplanted outdoors until the frosts have gone - protect young plants with garden
fleece for the first 2 weeks or so.
Soil temperature must be 60 degrees F for the Zucchini to grow, so be sure to plant in full
sunshine.
Plant Care:
As the fruits start to grow, water well and any fruit laying on the surface protect with a layer
of straw or dry mulch to prevent rotting.
Apply some organic tea as the first fruits begin to swell.
Besurethattheflowersarepollinatedproperlyeitherbybeesormanuallyusingafinebrush
or Q-tip. Lack of fruit when the plant has produced flowers is a sure sign of bad pollination.
Watch out for pests such as Aphids, Cucumber Beetle and Squash Bugs.
