Is zucchini easy to grow?

QUESTION: Is zucchini easy to grow? I’ve had bad luck with peppers so I’m looking for something pretty easy. – Olivia C

ANSWER: Yes, zucchini is an easy crop to grow. Ensure you meet a few of its basic needs, stay alert to a few threats, and the plant should grow well in most settings.

Zucchini needs well-draining soil and adequate lighting in its growing area. You can grow this vegetable in the ground or in a container. It can also be grown in its natural, bushy state, or you can train the plant to grow vertically.

Be sure to water zucchini deeply. This means that you’ll apply water for longer periods of time but on fewer days of the week.

This allows water to reach the roots during the initial watering session. However, as the days pass, the roots will dig deeper into the soil to find more water.

By doing this, it creates healthier plants with stronger root systems. Pick your crop frequently to encourage more blooming.

You should also stay alert to potential threats. Zucchini plants attract aphids, spider mites, cucumber beetles, squash bugs, leaf miners, thrips, squash vine borers, and cutworms. Most of these problems can be treated with an insecticide.

The main disease which impacts zucchini plants is powdery mildew. This occurs when the plants are grown under wet and humid conditions.

If you notice signs of powdery mildew, treat the plant with a fungicide. Also, ensure the soil is draining properly and make sure the plants have adequate space around them. This will decrease the amount of lingering water and encourage proper airflow.

All of these things can help improve growing conditions and deter the presence of fungal diseases. Hopefully, these tips will help you to grow an abundance of zucchini in your garden.

Learn More About Growing Zucchini

https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-summer-squash-and-zucchini-home-gardens

https://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/pubs/0403/zucchini.html

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/summer-squash-zucchini