How to Sow and Grow Courgettes

Courgettes are a versatile and prolific vegetable that thrives in home gardens in the UK. With their tender texture and mild flavour, courgettes are a favourite addition to salads, stir-fries, and countless other dishes. In this blog, we’ll delve into the art of sowing and growing courgettes, offering step-by-step guidance to help you cultivate a successful harvest of these delicious summer squashes.

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Selecting seeds

Begin by selecting high-quality courgette seeds from a reputable supplier or consider saving seeds from your favourite courgette variety if you’ve had success in previous seasons. Choose from a variety of courgette cultivars, including green, yellow, and striped varieties, based on your preferences and garden space.

Timing and location

Courgettes thrive in warm, sunny conditions, so it’s essential to sow seeds outdoors once the threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. In the UK, this typically occurs from late April to early June. Choose a well-drained location with plenty of sunlight for optimal growth.  They can be started early indoors in pots and then planted out.

Sowing seeds

Sow courgette seeds directly into the prepared soil, spacing them about 60cm apart in rows or in mounds if you prefer. Plant seeds to a depth of approximately 2-3cm, covering them lightly with soil. Water the seeds gently to ensure good soil contact and maintain consistent moisture until germination occurs, usually within 7-10 days.

Thinning and transplanting

Once courgette seedlings have developed their first true leaves and are large enough to handle, thin them to the strongest seedling per mound or spacing recommendation for your chosen variety. If you started seeds indoors, transplant seedlings outdoors once they have at least two sets of true leaves and all risk of frost has passed.

Caring for courgettes

Courgettes are relatively low-maintenance plants, but they benefit from regular watering, especially during dry spells, and occasional feeding with an organic feed to promote healthy growth and fruit production. Mulching around plants can help conserve soil moisture and suppress weed growth.

Harvesting courgettes

Courgettes are ready for harvest when they reach a length of about 15-20cm and have a firm texture. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the courgettes from the plant, taking care not to damage the stems or nearby fruits. Harvest courgettes regularly to encourage continuous production throughout the growing season.

Pest and disease management

Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, slugs, and squash bugs, and take preventive measures such as hand-picking or using biological pest control methods if necessary. Proper spacing, good air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering can help minimise the risk of fungal diseases.

Growing courgettes is a rewarding and straightforward endeavour that can yield a plentiful harvest of fresh, flavourful squash throughout the summer months. By following these steps for sowing and growing courgettes, you can enjoy the satisfaction of cultivating your own delicious produce and savour the taste of homegrown goodness in your favourite recipes. So, roll up your sleeves, dig into the soil, and let the journey to a bountiful courgette harvest begin.

Happy gardening!