Traditionally, this May long weekend is the planting weekend when many local gardeners will be putting in their flower and vegetable gardens. I can safely guess that many gardens will contain at least one zucchini plant and that is because this summer squash is easy to grow and easy to eat.

 

Years ago we had an annual zucchini contest with prizes for the largest, best dressed and best recipe. I was amazed at how many different dishes can be made from a zucchini ranging from cakes and breads, to stir frys, and deep fried. Even the flowers are edible after removing the stamens and pistils as they are considered a gourmet treat.

 

This versatile squash has been cultivated for thousands of years and is a native to North America where it was a staple in the early Americans diet. Zucchinis are an excellent source of vitamin A and C as well as containing folate and potassium. I have heard that a zucchini contains more potassium than a banana! Because of its nutritional value it is a good choice for weight loss as the average sized zucchini contains only 25 calories. To get the most nutrition out of a zucchini leave the skin on as there are lots of nutrients in the skin.

 

Zucchinis are started by either directly planting the seed into the garden soil or by purchasing a transplant. They are a sun and heat loving plant so wait till there is no longer a threat of frost before planting outdoors. They grow best in well drained soil with a pH of 6.0 -6.5. Plants are grown in hills with 1-2 plants per hill with the hills 3 feet apart. Because they produce so abundantly the average garden only needs 2-3 plants. They grow quite quickly and need consistent moisture so water them deeply once a week. Water in the morning and try to water the soil around the plant not getting water on the leaves so that the risk of disease is minimized. After a few weeks the plant will start to produce flowers.

 

 Zucchini plants produce male flowers first and then the female flowers as this is nature’s way of making sure there is enough pollen available for the female flowers. Male flowers are grown directly on the stem and the female flowers are at the end of a tiny swelling which is a tiny zucchini that needs to be pollinated for it to grow larger.

 

Once the male flower has opened and released its pollen the flower will fall off the plant. If you want to eat zucchini flowers then pick the male flowers as these do not produce any fruit. Zucchinis are at their best and most tasty and tender when they are harvested at 6-8 inches in length. The bigger zucchinis do not have as much flavour and they take a lot of energy from the plant so the plant will not produce as many. The more you pick the more the plant will produce which may be one reason why in the summer many gardeners are very generous in giving away zucchini.

 

Sometimes zucchinis can get 'Squash Blossom End Rot' which is when the bottom end of the zucchini fruit where the flower was, goes soft and then rots. This can be caused by a calcium deficiency or by inconsistent moisture to the plant. To avoid this problem, water the plant regularly and put some bone meal in the soil or add some gypsum to the soil. Remove any of the affected fruit and hopefully the following fruit will be better.

 

Another complaint is 'Blossom Drop' caused by poor pollination. ( Do not forget that the male flowers drop off naturally) If the female flower is not properly pollinated it will fall off the plant. Poor pollination can be caused by lack of pollinators such as bees and butterflies or by wet weather which can cause the pollen to clump. Hand pollination can be done by picking a male flower and rubbing it into the pistils of the female flower or by using a Q tip or tiny paint brush and gather the pollen from the male flower and place it on the pistils of the female flower.

If you have an empty space in the garden why not fill it with a zucchini plant.

 

This easy to grow, abundant producer will give you along with neighbours and friends a bountiful harvest of tasty zucchinis.