Wednesday, August 10, 2011

All About Growing Zucchini

By Susan Morgan


Growing zucchini is a ton of fun! What a great way to bring fresh vegetables into the home. Zucchini is one of the many squashes available and is a top choice, as it can be used in a lot of different uses. With a home garden full of food, you will never have to visit the produce section of the supermarket ever again!

This vegetable is a top choice for health considerations in any meal. Zucchini is full of all sorts of nutrients. It is an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamin C, and zinc. Beta-carotene can be found in this squash in high amounts.

To start growing this squash, consider what the garden is going to look like. Create a game plan to make sure that everything is order, so when you start digging, you will not have to stop. Make one square foot of space available for each of the plants that are going into the garden. The winter months are the perfect time to do this because you will have lots of time to prepare.

While you are preparing you can start to sprout the seeds. You will only need to germinate if the seeds came from another zucchini and not a package. Using peat pots is a simple way to get started. Take off any pulp that is on the seeds that need germinating. Pick a dirt mixture that comes with plant food all ready added to get your starter plant healthier and to make sure that it will grow fast.

One seed for each pot will allow each seed enough room. The zucchini vines will emerge and promise a healthy garden. Plant the seedlings in the spring, after the frost threat is over. The soil will have warmed to about seventy degrees Fahrenheit.

After the cloudy season is over and the sun is shining, then the seedlings can be transported outside. Make small mounds of dirt for every seedling that you will be moving outside. The roots should rest safely in the dirt without risk of falling over or uprooting. Fertilize the plants by working a fertilizer into the soil. Doing so will keep the plants healthy and nutritious.

Remember, a plant is a living thing. It is important to keep this in mind when spacing the seedlings, because once they really start growing they will need their space. Allow for enough room between the fully-grown plants so that their vines will not tangle together.

Some yards do not offer optimal space to keep a garden. This is a great plant for living situations like these because its vines can be incorporated into a garden that grows vertically. Using a stake or a trellis can help function as a support system for the growing vines. Make sure to think of this early on, because you will need to tie vines to the posts as it grows.

A zucchini garden should be watered often, especially because its fruit is so succulent. These thirsty plants should get attention at least once a day. When watering more than once a day, make sure that the dirt has absorbed all of the water that you gave it earlier. Doing this will keep the plant from drowning.

It is normal for plants to see some mold or mildew. If sighted, these ailments can be fixed by a quick wash. Insects will also be attracted to the plant and can be easily kept away by frequent watering. Keeping the plant free of pests will ensure tasty zucchini when it is time for harvest.

It is a great deal of fun to keep a home vegetable garden. Growing zucchini will give you lots of exercise and sunshine. It will give you a lot of tasty food to share with your family and your friends.




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