Courgettes have a reputation for being productive to the point of excess and it's true that when conditions are right, they do seem to appear overnight. Miss one today and it's a marrow tomorrow!
It's not always plain sailing however - in an early cold spell they can sit and sulk a little and early in the season when there are fewer pollinators around, they can be slow to set fruit. But with a little know-how you can be virtually guaranteed of enough fruit to feed your extended family and beyond.
They have other upsides - they can be expensive in the shops, so are worth growing at home; most varieties are great for smaller spaces they certainly take up less room than other summer squashes - and they are great for beginners since they need little care and attention. There is a great range of varieties available too, which makes them attractive and interesting to look at in the garden and on the plate.
SOWING
Seeds of this tender (frost sensitive) crop are usually sown from April onwards so that they can be grown into established plants through May and planted out (depending on your location) in June.
If you love your courgettes you may want to consider a second sowing a month after the first to give a continuity of cropping into the autumn when powdery mildew and colder weather usually brings them to an end.
Sow one seed 12mm (1/2in) deep into a small pot or large-celled tray filled with fresh sowing compost and water well. Conventional wisdom is to sow the flattish seeds on their side to allow water to drain off and to reduce rotting.
Place your pots in a little heat - a warm, sunny windowsill or heated propagator is ideal. The seeds need a minimum of 15-18C (60-65F) for germination.
This story is from the May 2024 edition of Kitchen Garden.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2024 edition of Kitchen Garden.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
PICK STRAWBERRIES - FOR HOME-GROWN FLAVOUR
When it comes to getting value for money and the best flavour, strawberries are hard to beat, says fruit expert David Patch
A GARDEN FOR EVERYONE!
This month Hannah Reid shares her experience of redesigning a garden for those with a range of disabilities and how it has benefited them
ROOM TO GROW
We meet Rhiannon Alcock from Devon, whose plot provides a place to relax and learn. It also inspired a wonderful community project growing produce for local food banks
Just how much food?
Top organic gardening influencer Huw Richards explains how to maximise the pickings from growing spaces big and small
PREDATORS ON YOUR PLOT
Garden Organic's Anton Rosenfeld explores the range of beneficial predators that you can encourage into your garden, keeping pests at bay
GIVE THEM A HELPING HAND
Some of our most popular crops come from much warmer climes and need a little extra TLC before being exposed to the UK's changeable conditions. Editor Steve Ott offers some top tips to help get them off to a great start
Digging for tomorrow
Encouragement to grow your own is being passed on to the next generation, as Sally Clifford discovered when she visited a former Dig for Victory site in the historic city of York
MAKE YOUR OWN GIN GARDEN
Become a gin genius by growing your own key ingredients. Becky Searle shows you how
KNOW YOUR ROOTS
Maincrop roots are a staple of autumn and, with care, should last well into winter too. Don't miss your opportunity to start them! Benedict Vanheems shares his tips to keep the larder stocked with nourishing, home-grown roots
SOMETHING FOR THE WINTER
This month 'squashbuckler' Rob Smith takes a look at winter squash varieties - old, new, coming soon and something different with advice on sowing, growing, harvesting and storing