Easy Summer Veggies: Zucchini!

By Colleen Vanderlinden | Sat May 22, 2010




Easy to grow, super-tasty to eat.

You know that old stereotype about the gardener growing zucchini, and ending up with so much of it that they start leaving it on people's porches, just to get rid of the stuff? I've never been that gardener. We do end up with tons of zucchini (and other summer squashes) every summer, but I have yet to run out of ways I like to cook and eat it.

What I love most about zucchini is that it is really easy to grow, and gives you a great yield for the space it takes up in the garden (which is a significant amount, by the way. Zucchini is not one of those plants you just try to "fit in" somewhere -- it needs plenty of space!)


Tips for Growing Zucchini


1. Grow zucchini in full sun, at least six hours but preferably eight hours of sun per day.

2. Plant them in an area that gets good air flow -- not up against a fence or wall. One of the problems that can sometimes strike zukes is powdery mildew, and poor air circulation contributes to plants getting infected with it. Each plant needs about three to four square feet of space in your garden.

3. Feed the plants with fish emulsion or liquid kelp until the plant starts to flower, then stop -- you want the plant's energy to go to fruit production rather than foliar growth.

4. Sidedress the plants with compost or composted manure to provide them with plenty of nutrients.

5. Mulch around your plants to help the soil retain moisture and keep weeds in check. It also helps keep the plants and fruits clean

Wondering what to do with all of that zucchini?

Zucchini Recipes!
Video: Emeril's Pickled Zucchini with Herbs
Video: Z is for Zucchini
Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms
Green Beans and Zucchini with Garlic
Organic Zucchini Nut Muffins
Emeril's Assorted Grilled Veggies

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/easy-summer-veggies-zu...