Holly's Homestead — Vine & Cucurbit
Zucchini
Cucurbita pepo · Cucurbit family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Annual, sown or seedling
MATURITY 45–60 days
TYPE Annual, sown or seedling
MATURITY 45–60 days
Sun
Full sun
Water
Deep, regular
Soil pH
6.0–6.8
Spacing
90cm–1m
Depth
2–3cm
01Bush habit, big appetite
Unlike sprawling pumpkin vines, zucchini grows as a compact bush — but it's still a heavy feeder needing rich soil and steady water to keep producing.
02Planting
Method
Sow or plant seedlings into a rich mound.
Soil
Rich, well-drained — dig in aged compost before planting.
Timing
Plant after frost risk passes and soil has warmed.
03Growing care
- Water deeply at the base, avoiding wet leaves.
- Pick young and often — one missed fruit can slow the whole plant down.
- Feed every few weeks through the growing season.
- Hand-pollinate if fruit are forming but rotting at the tip (poor pollination).
04Problems
- Powdery mildew — white coating in humid weather; improve airflow.
- Blossom end rot — irregular watering; keep moisture consistent.
- Vine borer — sudden wilt; check stem base.
- Poor fruit set — low bee activity; hand-pollinate with a soft brush.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Fruit reaches 15–20cm — pick young for best flavour and texture.
Method
Cut with a sharp knife, leaving a short stem.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge crisper, about a week.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
CornBeansNasturtiumMarigoldAvoid nearby
PotatoRotation note
Rotate cucurbits on a 3-year cycle.