Courgettes

Courgettes, also known as zucchini, are the superheroes of the vegetable garden, offering a prolific harvest with minimal fuss. These plants are not just easy to grow, they’re also incredibly versatile in the kitchen! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, growing courgettes is a rewarding experience. Let's dive into how to get the most out of these summer squash superstars.

Courgette Growing: The Quick & Easy Guide

TL;DR: Courgettes are super productive and easy to grow. Sow indoors in April or directly outdoors in late May/early June. Plant in a sunny spot with good soil and plenty of space. Water well, feed regularly and harvest often when they're 10-15cm long. You'll be swimming in courgettes in no time!

Getting Started with Courgettes

Courgettes are fast growers, and they love sunshine! You can start your courgette journey by either sowing seeds indoors or buying young plants from a garden centre. There's a wide range of courgette varieties to choose from - you can go for the classic green, a sunshine yellow or even a quirky round one, all with the same simple growing requirements.

Sowing Seeds Indoors: If you're starting from seed, do this in April, using small pots filled with seed compost. Pop one seed about 2.5cm deep in each pot, keep the compost moist and put them somewhere warm, like a propagator or warm windowsill. Once the seedlings have two proper leaves, they'll be ready to move to bigger pots.

Sowing Seeds Outdoors: If you want to wait for warmer weather, sow your seeds directly outdoors in late May or early June. Make sure the soil is nice and prepared, plant each seed about 2.5cm deep and protect them from slugs and snails.

Location, Location, Location

Courgettes love a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Think of them as sunbathers who like a little protection from the wind. Before planting, give your soil a boost with plenty of well-rotted compost or manure. They are big plants, so spacing is crucial - give each plant around 90cm of space to avoid overcrowding, or grow in containers if you are tight on space.

Courgette Plant Care: Water, Feed and Love

These plants are thirsty beasts, so water them well, especially during hot spells. They also love a good feed, so give them a high-potash feed, like tomato feed, when the first little courgettes start to appear. Remove any yellowing or decaying leaves to keep the plants healthy and encourage more growth. Regularly check for any unwelcome guests like slugs and snails and take action to protect your precious plants. If they get very tall, some support might be helpful.

Harvesting: The Best Part!

Courgettes are at their best when they're young and tender, about 10-15cm long. Harvest them regularly with a sharp knife. The more you pick, the more they will produce! If you miss a few, you’ll find they grow into huge marrows! These are great for stuffing or using in baking. Don’t forget you can also eat the yellow flowers in salads. They add a splash of colour and a delicate flavour.

So, whether you’re after a bumper crop for your favourite recipes, or just enjoy the fun of growing your own, courgettes are a fantastic choice. With a bit of care, you’ll have a delicious summer bounty that’ll have you cooking up a storm!