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Zucchini Growing Guide🥒: Planting, Care, and Harvesting Tips

Zucchini Growing Guide🥒: Planting, Care, and Harvesting Tips

Introduction

Zucchini is one of the most rewarding crops you can grow — fast, productive, and great for gardeners of all skill levels. Whether you’re planting in a LifeSpace Garden or using GardenWells sub-irrigation kits, steady bottom-up watering ensures healthier plants, fewer pests, and larger harvests.

When to Plant Zucchini

  • Spring: Start planting when nighttime temperatures stay above 10°C — usually late May through June. Check the May Gardening Guide for timing tips.

  • Summer: June and early July plantings establish quickly for reliable production. See the June Gardening Guide for care tips.

  • Succession Planting: Sow seeds every 3–4 weeks until mid-summer for continuous yields.

Square Foot Gardening Spacing

  • Spacing: 1 plant per 2 square feet

  • Depth: Sow seeds 1” deep

  • Companions: Works well with beans, nasturtiums, and borage.

How to Plant Zucchini

Direct Seeding

  • Sow 2 seeds per hole; thin to the strongest seedling after germination.

  • Keep the top 1–2 cm of soil moist until sprouts emerge (~5–7 days).

  • Use row covers early in the season to protect against cool nights.

Transplanting

  • Start seeds indoors in early May and transplant after 3–4 true leaves develop.

  • Harden seedlings off for 5–7 days before transplanting.

  • Top-water gently for 7–10 days while roots establish in the SIP moisture zone.

Watering Your Zucchini

Zucchini loves consistent, deep hydration:

  • Check your WaterStem: when the Hummingbird rises, your reservoir is full; when it drops, it’s time to refill.

  • Before establishment: Lightly top-water daily until roots anchor.

  • After establishment: Refill reservoirs about every 1–2 weeks, depending on heat and size of plants.

  • Mulch heavily around plants to reduce evaporation and maintain cooler soil.

  • See the June Gardening Guide for seasonal watering tips.

Harvesting Zucchini

  • Timing: Pick when fruits are 6–8” long for peak flavor and texture.

  • Frequency: Harvest regularly to encourage ongoing production.

  • Peak Season: July brings bumper crops — see our July Gardening Guide for harvest management tips.

  • Bonus: For edible blossoms, harvest flowers early in the morning before they open.

Common Issues & Fixes

Issue Likely Cause Solution
Powdery Mildew High humidity, poor airflow Prune lower leaves, increase spacing, mulch wisely
Blossom End Rot Inconsistent watering Maintain steady SIP hydration, add compost
Pollination Issues Fewer pollinators early Hand-pollinate blossoms using a soft brush

Companion Plants for Zucchini

Best companions (with cross-links):

  • Nasturtiums → Trap aphids, trail beautifully over bed edges, and add edible flowers.

  • Marigolds → Repel common pests and draw pollinators. Start seeds in April.

  • Borage → Attracts bees and improves fruit set; plant near zucchini hills.

  • Beans → Light nitrogen contribution, boosts soil fertility.

  • Corn → Great partner in a “three sisters” setup, especially in larger SIP beds.

Avoid planting with:

  • Other Cucurbits → Cucumbers and melons can share pests and diseases; separate beds if possible.

  • Potatoes → Compete for nutrients and space; keep them in another bed.

Layout Tip:

  • Zucchini = 1 plant per 2 sq ft.

  • Plant nasturtiums and marigolds along bed edges for pest control.

  • Add borage strategically nearby to boost pollination rates.

Product Tips

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