How to Grow Courgettes

Have you ever dreamed of growing your own vegetables but weren’t sure where to start? Try courgettes. These summer squashes (also known as zucchinis) are one of the easiest and most rewarding crops for home gardeners. With just a few plants, you’ll be harvesting more courgettes than you know what to do with!

Whether you’re working with a backyard garden or a few pots on the patio, this guide will show you how to grow courgettes successfully from seed to harvest — with plenty of tips to ensure a tasty, abundant crop.

Why Grow Courgettes?

Courgettes are perfect for beginner gardeners. They grow quickly, don’t require too much maintenance, and thrive in a variety of settings — from garden beds to large containers. Plus, they’re delicious and versatile in the kitchen. Stir-fries, soups, pasta dishes, grilled sides — courgettes do it all.

Another bonus? Just one plant can produce up to 20 fruits in a season. That’s a whole lot of courgette goodness.

Choose the Right Variety

There are several types of courgettes, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in your growing experience. Some popular varieties include:

• Defender F1: A disease-resistant, high-yielding green variety.
• Gold Rush: A striking yellow courgette that’s both sweet and tender.
• Tromboncino: A climbing courgette with fun, curly shapes.
• Patio Star: Compact and ideal for containers.

Look for seeds labeled as “bush” types for smaller spaces, or “vining” types if you have room to let them sprawl (or plan to grow vertically with support).

When to Plant Courgettes

Courgettes love warmth. In cooler climates, start seeds indoors in April or early May. In warmer regions, you can sow seeds directly outdoors once all risk of frost has passed — usually late May to early June.

They need a sunny spot with at least 6–8 hours of sunlight a day and shelter from strong winds.

How to Grow Courgettes from Seed

Indoors:

1. Fill 7–9cm pots with seed compost.
2. Sow one seed per pot, about 1.5cm deep.
3. Keep the pots warm (18–22°C) and moist.
4. Seedlings should emerge within 7–10 days.
5. Once they have a couple of true leaves and the weather has warmed, harden them off and transplant outdoors.

Direct Sowing:

1. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot.
2. Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure.
3. Sow seeds 2.5cm deep and space them 90cm apart (or follow packet instructions).
4. Cover with cloches if nights are still cool.

Courgette Growing Tips

1. Feed the Soil Well
Courgettes are hungry plants. Before planting, mix in plenty of compost or organic matter. Throughout the growing season, feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks.

2. Water Consistently
Keep the soil consistently moist — especially during flowering and fruiting. Avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew; instead, water at the base.

3. Mulch for Moisture
Adding mulch around the base of your plants helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Straw, compost, or well-rotted manure work well.

4. Support if Needed
While bush varieties are self-supporting, vining types benefit from trellising or supports to keep fruit off the ground and save space.

5. Pick Often
Harvest courgettes when they’re around 15–20cm long for the best flavor and texture. The more you pick, the more the plant will produce!

Troubleshooting Common Problems

• Powdery mildew: This white, powdery coating is caused by high humidity or poor airflow. Space plants well and avoid watering leaves. Remove infected leaves if necessary.
• Slugs and snails: Young seedlings are especially vulnerable. Use barriers like copper tape, crushed eggshells, or organic slug pellets.
• Poor fruit set: If flowers fall off without developing fruit, pollination may be lacking. Hand-pollinate with a small brush, transferring pollen from male to female flowers.

Can You Grow Courgettes in Pots?

Absolutely! Choose a large container (at least 45cm wide and deep), use rich compost, and water regularly. Compact varieties like ‘Patio Star’ are ideal for container gardening and still produce a generous harvest.

What to Do With All Those Courgettes?

Once they start producing, they don’t stop. Try these delicious ideas:

• Grill or roast them with olive oil and herbs.
• Spiralize them into noodles for a healthy pasta alternative.
• Bake courgette bread or muffins.
• Make courgette fritters or soup.
• Preserve extras by freezing or pickling.

Final Thoughts

Courgettes are the garden gift that keeps on giving — easy to grow, fast to mature, and endlessly useful in the kitchen. Whether you’re a first-time grower or a seasoned gardener, these reliable vegetables are a summer staple that won’t disappoint.

Have you tried growing courgettes before?
What’s your favorite variety or recipe? Share your experience in the comments — let’s grow this gardening community together!