Full Sun or Shade
If you’ve been longing to grow delicious vegetables in your garden and wonder – Do zucchinis need full sun, or do they grow well in the shade?
Zucchinis require full sun and need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, but in extremely hot climates, they may need some shade during the hottest part of the day, which is most likely the afternoon. Without enough sun, they have stunted growth, smaller yields, and lower-quality fruits.
How do I seed zucchini?
Zucchini is a warm-weather plant and should not be planted until there is no threat of frost and the soil temperatures reach 65 to 70 degrees – for most areas, this is late May to early June. In warm or hot climates such as the Gulf Coast, you can plant twice, one in the spring and one in the fall.
Choose a spot that receives 6-8 hours of sun per day. The bed will need good drainage and prefers rich loamy soil.
- Using a mini tiller or hand cultivator, loosen the soil removing any debris or rocks.
- Plant zucchini seeds in rows about 1 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart 3-4 feet apart.
- Cover the seeds with soil and water the area well.
- Water – soil should be moist but not soggy
Seeds can take up to 7-10 days to germinate. Once they reach 2-3 inches in height, you may need to thin the seedlings. Thin them to one plant every 18-36 inches to allow enough space for the fruit to grow. Zucchini will benefit from regular fertilizer.
Vertical zucchini
Growing zucchini vertically is a great way to produce delicious vegetables. By doing so, you provide
- better air circulation
- improved sunlight
- easier harvesting
Using trellises or stakes will also maximize your garden space and add dimension – add ground covers or low-lying plants below.
4ft Garden Trellis
Garden Trellis
- 4ft H x 6ft W Adjustable (0 to 6 Feet )
- Anti-Rust Steel with Polyethylene-Coating
- Can Hold up to 40lbs.
- For Growing Climbing Plants and Vegetables
- Anti-sliding Texture
To create this vertical effect, plant your seeds at the base of a trellis or stake, and tie them to the trellis as they grow. This will support the weight. As the zucchini grows, prune it regularly and remove any lateral shoots.
As the fruit develops, support it by creating small slings from mesh or short cloth and tie the cloth to the trellis. This will ensure the fruit doesn’t become too heavy and break off.
Planting from Seedlings
If planting your zucchini from seedlings, you don’t need to buy more than one or two plants. They spread quickly, and their large leaves and long vines can quickly take over a large area, so unless you plan on harvesting for your neighborhood, you may wish to do some regular pruning to keep them in check.
Harvest
From seed to harvest is around 45 to 55 days. You’ll know when it’s close to time by the beautiful orange blooms, which will soon begin to develop fruit.
Harvesting zucchini is fairly simple. Look for zucchini that are around 6 to 8 inches long and about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. If they become too big, they’ll become tough and lose some of their flavor. The skin should be smooth and firm to the touch.
Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the zucchini from the plant. Cut the stem about 1 inch away from the fruit. Make sure you harvest your zucchini on a regular basis. If left, they can rot and animals such as raccoons.
Nutrition
Not only does zucchini taste great in a variety of dishes, but it is a nutritious vegetable that is low in calories and high in nutrients. Adding zucchini to your diet contributes to healthy living.
- vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and magnesium.
- antioxidants that protect against cancer-causing free radicals.
- Weight – Zucchini is low in calories (17 calories per 100 grams). If that wasn’t enough to add it your diet, it’s also high in fiber, keeping your digestive system healthy.
- Hydration: Zucchini is 95 % water which may benefit your skin, digestion, and overall health, including weight loss).
Plants to grow with zucchini
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that pairs well with many other plants. Here are some options for companion planting with zucchini:
- Beans: Plant bush beans near your zucchini plants to fix nitrogen in the soil and deter pests like cucumber beetles.
- Nasturtiums: These beautiful flowers not only add color to your garden but also deter pests like squash bugs and aphids.
- Herbs: Basil, oregano, and dill are great herbs to plant with zucchini. They repel pests and attract beneficial insects like ladybugs.
- Corn: Planting corn with zucchini helps to shade the soil and keep it cool, which can help zucchini plants thrive in hot weather.
- Cucumbers: Zucchini and cucumbers are in the same family and have similar growing requirements, making them great companions in the garden.
- Radishes: Planting radishes near zucchini can help to deter squash borers, which can be a common pest for zucchini plants.
Remember to choose plants with similar soil and water requirements to ensure they grow well together. Happy gardening!
Here come the pests
Unfortunately, Zucchini plants attract a few pests and insects that you may want to watch out for –
- Squash bugs feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing wilting and yellowing of the foliage.
- Cucumber beetles are attracted to both zucchini and cucumber plants. They feed on the leaves and spread bacterial wilt.
- Vine borers can cause extensive damage to zucchini plants by tunneling into the stems and feeding on the interior, causing the plant to wilt and die.
- Aphids feed on the leaves and stems of zucchini plants, causing them to curl and distort.
- Spider mites infest zucchini plants and cause the leaves to turn yellow and dry out. They are often found on the undersides of leaves.
If you find these pests have crept into your garden, you can hand pick them off or use an insecticidal soap or neem oil. Another option is to plant a few companion plants that will help deter these pests, like radishes, nasturtiums, marigolds, and mint.
Questions
Why I am having trouble growing my zucchini?
If you’re having difficulty growing zucchini, check your soil. The soil should be moist but not wet. Without the proper soul, it is difficult to produce a good crop.
Can I grow zucchini on a vine?
Do Zucchinis need full sun?
Zucchinis thrive in full sun and do best with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Conclusion
Growing zucchini in your garden is easy, and you can grow them on the ground or up a vine. Either way, they need full sunlight – at least 6 to 8 hours each day. If you keep the soil moist but not soggy, they’re easy to grow and add delicious nutrients to your meals. There are many pests attracted to the leaves and fruit, so keep your eyes open for any signs. By being preventative, you’ll end up with a beautiful, yummy crop.