Plant 1m apart in all directions.
Courgettes are easy to grow and very rewarding because they are so prolific. Grow them in pots, grow bags, raised beds or the vegetable garden. They look stunning on the patio.
Courgettes are happiest in a sunny position In fertile, well-drained soil.
Harden off the courgette plant before it is planted out by placing it outside in a sheltered position during the day. After a week it will have toughened up and become acclimatised.
Prepare the soil by following the dos and don’ts guide. Add plenty of fibrous material (leaf mould, farmyard manure, decaying straw etc.) to the soil so that it is open and the water can drain away. Making a small mound for the courgette to sit on will help the plant develop.
Planting out
Soak the pot with water the night before planting so that the soil will hold together round the roots.
Make a planting hole in the soil, the size of the pot.
Remove the plant from the pot by gently holding the courgette stem with finger and thumb whilst spreading other fingers over the soil, tipping the pot upside down and gently shaking the plant out.
Place the root ball into the planting hole and gently push the soil around the roots to fill in the hole. Firm the soil down and water well.
Protect the plant from winds with a cloche, large jam jar or transparent polythene for the first couple of weeks. Put the covers back on if a frost is forecast. Covering the plant with newspaper at night will also keep the frost off.
Watering
Keep the soil damp around the plant until it is well established. After that, water if the leaves start to wilt in dry spells. Try to place the water under the leaves, so they do not get wet.
Flowers
Courgette plants have separate male and female flowers. They are very big and yellow. The male flowers usually appear first, and do not produce courgette fruits. The male flowers produce pollen which is needed to fertilise the female flowers. Insects transfer the pollen from the male flower to the female flower. The more insects there are flying round the plants the better. Once pollinated the female flower develops a bulge at the base. This grows into a courgette in 5 - 7 days. Do not cut off the male flowers, they will die back naturally.
Harvest
Courgettes should be ready 5 or 6 weeks after planting. Cut the courgettes when they are 7 - 10cm long. The plants should produce 3 or 4 fruits a week. Check the plant for fruit from all angles as they are often difficult to see. Do not let them grow too big or the plant will stop producing flowers.
Use a small knife to cut the courgette off the plant together with 1cm of stalk. The fruit may snap off if you try to pick it by hand and then a bit of the courgette is left on the plant and wasted.
Once the plant is in full flower you will be able to spare a few male flowers. These are very good if dipped in a light batter and deep fried.
Mon - Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm
Sat & Sun 9:00am - 5:00pm
Any questions? Email us or give us a call on 01904 400092.
