Zucchini
Cucurbita pepo
One plant, an alarming amount of squash — a beginner's guaranteed win.
Sun
Full sun
Water
4 cm / week, deep
Soil
Rich, well-drained, pH 6.0–7.5
Spacing
90 cm apart
Days to harvest
45–55 days
Hardiness
Zones 3–10 (annual)
Seasonal Calendar
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Sow Harvest
The method
- 1
Wait for warmth
Sow only after all frost risk has passed and soil is above 18°C.
- 2
Build a hill
Plant 2–3 seeds on a mound of compost-rich soil, then thin to the strongest.
- 3
Water at the base
Wet leaves invite powdery mildew. Water deeply at soil level in the morning.
- 4
Harvest small
Pick fruit at 15–20 cm long. Frequent harvest keeps the plant producing all season.
Common problems
Powdery mildew
Improve airflow, water at base, remove worst-affected leaves.
Blossom drop
Male flowers appear first — normal. If fruit still drops, hand-pollinate with a small brush.
Good neighbors
NasturtiumCornBeansMarigold
Field tips
- “Skip one week of picking and you'll have marrows. Check every day or two.”
- “Male flowers are edible — stuff and fry them for a delicacy.”