Zucchini Astia - Renee's Garden

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

Plant only when weather had warmed up and nights are above 50F (10C) Amend soil well with aged manure or compost. In a sunny spot, make slightly mounded hills, 3' wide and 3' apart. Sow seeds in a triangle on each mound, planting 2 seeds 1" deep at each point in the triangle. Thin to the strongest seedling at each point, leaving 3 seedlings per mound.

FOR CONTAINERS

Use fresh, good quality potting soil in containers. For a pot 15 in. across and 12 in. deep, sow 2-3 seeds in the center. When seedlings reach 3-4 in., remove all but 1 strong seedling. For pots 18-20 in. across and 12-15 in. deep, sow seeds 4 in. from container edges, then thin to 2 plants per pot.  For larger pots, thin plants to be 8 in. apart. Mulch to help conserve moisture and fertilize monthly for good production. In hot weather, check and water containers daily.

GROWING NOTES

Protect seedlings from marauding birds with plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. Thin plants properly; you'll get more zucchinis from a few well-spaced, healthy vines than from crowded plants that are much more disease prone.

HARVEST AND USE

Harvest at about 5 in. in length; frequent harvesting keeps plants producing. Enjoy these zucchinis grilled, baked, sautéed or steamed. Try slicing lengthwise, drizzling with olive oil and roasting to succulent perfection. Or slice 1/2 in. thick, top with pizze sauce and cheese and bake.