How to Grow Zucchini Plants

Zucchinis are a winner for being one of the quickest — and easiest — members of the squash family to grow.

Excerpted from Ready, Set, Grow! by DK BooksDorling Kindersley
Filed under: Vegetable Gardening, How To, Vegetables

4. Keep soil moist.

Zucchini plants need constantly moist soil, so bury a 6-inch (15-cm) pot that has holes in its base next to the plant. Frequently water into the pot so that the water will flow directly to the roots.

5. Fertilize zucchini plants.

When the first flowers begin to form, feed the plant every 10 to 14 days with a tomato fertilizer and some compost tea. Be careful to avoid overfeeding.

Fertilize Zucchini Plant Once Blooms Appear

6. Harvest zucchinis.

When the zucchinis are 4 inches (10 cm) long, cut them at their base. This will encourage more zucchinis to grow on your plant. A fungus called powdery mildew can appear on zucchini plant leaves. Prevent this by keeping your plants well-watered, fed and with space around them for good airflow.