ORGANIC GROW
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Z
ucchinis quite rightly have the reputation for
being easy to grow but also are often regarded
as bland and boring. I want to convince you that
these underrated plants are interesting and can be
delicious. Plus, they have some idiosyncratic relatives
that are also worth growing. As a bonus, with good
pollination, zucchinis can be highly prolific.
The zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) falls into the larger
squash family (Cucurbitaceae) along with pumpkins,
cucumbers and marrows. In Australia, Germany,
Sweden, Italy, the US and Canada these plants are
called zucchini; in France, the UK, Ireland, Belgium,
French-speaking Canada, Malaysia and Singapore,
they are more generally known as courgettes or, when
bigger, vegetable marrow. And in all countries they
are often just called summer squash. So this poor
vegetable has a serious identity crisis!
Historically, zucchini come from central America with
most of the other members of the squash family, but
zucchini specifically were adapted and developed
in Italy about 300 years ago.Planting
Seeds are planted straight into the ground, or into small
pots first and later planted out. Sow two seeds in each
position and then remove the weakest plant. Choose a
sunny and well-drained position. Zucchini that grow as
bushes need at least 70cm between plants. Climbing
forms can be planted closer together, but will need
plenty of space to spread on the ground, or preferably
on a trellis. All the plants described in this article are
frost tender, so in cooler regions don’t plant them into
the garden until the last chance of frost has passed.
Bush zucchinis thrive in large pots and containers –
a 45L green woven planter bag works well.Soil preparation
Zucchinis grow fast, which means they need plenty of
nutrients to thrive. Prepare the soil well with added
compost, pelletised organically certified fertiliser or
blood and bone and extra organic matter in the form of
well-rotted animal manure (cow, horse, sheep). Dig in or
sprinkle over the surface. Once plants are growing well,Super
producers
Penny Woodward says zucchinis can be flavoursome as well as prolific,
making this member of the squash family a great vegie garden staple.PHOTOS: GAP PHOTOS/GARY SMITH