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How to Grow Courgettes: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Courgettes are easy to grow and highly productive plants, producing an abundance of delicious, nutty fruits that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to grow courgettes successfully.
Sowing Courgette Seeds
- Indoors: Sow seeds in pots of peat-free compost in April or May. Keep the compost warm and moist, and place the pots in a propagator or covered tray at a temperature of 20°C.
- Outdoors: You can also sow seeds directly outside in late May or early June. Prepare the soil by digging in plenty of compost or manure, and sow the seeds 2.5cm deep, spacing them around 90cm apart.
Planting Courgette Plants
- Plant out young courgette plants when all risk of frost has passed, usually from late May.
- Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil.
- Space the plants 90cm apart and mulch around them with compost or manure to retain moisture.
Caring for Courgette Plants
- Watering: Courgettes need plenty of water, especially during dry spells. Water regularly and apply a thick layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture.
- Feeding: Feed the plants weekly with a high-potash feed, such as tomato food, to promote growth and flowering.
Harvesting Courgettes
- Harvest courgettes when they are young and tender, around 10cm long.
- Cut them off at the base with a sharp knife or twist the stalk sharply.
- Harvesting courgettes regularly will encourage the plant to produce more fruits.
Problem Solving
- No fruits: This can be caused by a lack of female flowers, which are necessary for fruit production. Ensure the plants are getting enough water and fertilizer.
- Slugs and snails: Young courgette plants are vulnerable to slugs and snails. Protect them by using crushed eggshells, copper rings, or biological pest control.
- Rotting fruits: Avoid watering the plants from above, as this can spread disease. Keep a close eye on the plants during wet weather and remove any soggy flowers.
Preparation and Uses
- Courgettes can be used in a variety of dishes, including steaming, frying, grilling, and stuffing.
- Spherical varieties are perfect for stuffing and baking.
Storing Courgettes
- Courgettes are best used fresh, but can be stored for a short period of time in a cool, dry place.
- Alternatively, you can turn gluts into chutneys or pickles.
Courgette Varieties
- Defender: A heavy cropper with good disease resistance
- Gold Rush: With long, golden-yellow fruits
- One Ball: Vibrant yellow, spherical fruits with creamy flesh
- Tondo di Nizza: Tennis ball-sized, pale green fruit
- Venus: A compact patio variety, ideal in pots
- Zucchini: Prolific, classic green courgette
Growing Courgettes with Sweetcorn
- Courgettes and sweetcorn make good companion plants.
- Plant the sweetcorn first and then fill in the gaps with courgettes.
- Both plants will benefit from the same growing conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What size pot should I use to grow courgettes? Use a pot that’s at least 45cm wide and high.
- Help! My courgette leaves are turning yellow. This could be a sign of nutrient deficiency. Give the plants a good drink and a liquid feed.
