How to Raise Zucchini
- 1). Choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight. Be sure the soil is well-drained.
- 2). Prepare the soil by tilling to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. Be sure to remove rocks, roots and other debris that may be brought to the surface.
- 3). Add generous amounts of organic matter to the soil and mix it in well. The goal is to create rich soil that is loose and friable.
- 4). Mark the rows for zucchini with the edge of the hoe. This furrow does not need to be deep; it just needs to make a nice straight row to plant it.
- 5). Plant zucchini seeds flat at a depth of 1 inch. Space seeds 1 foot apart and be prepared to thin them out when they begin to grow. If you choose to plant zucchini in the hills, plant four seeds per hill and thin to two once the seedlings have been established. Rows or hills should be spaced 3 feet apart. Zucchini plants take up a lot of room at maturity, so do not try to crowd them into a small space.
- 6). Water thoroughly and keep evenly moist until the seedlings emerge. Expect seeds to germinate in 10 to 14 days, depending on the weather and soil temperature.
- 7). Water regularly whenever the soil dries. Zucchini can use a lot of water when actively growing.
- 8). Harvest young zucchini when they are 6 to 8 inches long for the most flavorful and tender fruiti. Larger zucchini are suitable for making zucchini bread. Twist the zucchini free of the plant to harvest. Use care not to damage the plant in the process.
Source...