Zucchini is a fairly common culture in our latitudes. They are unpretentious to the growing conditions, while they have a fairly high fecundity. If you are just starting your journey in growing vegetables, then first of all try to breed zucchini in your summer cottage area, the cultivation and care of which does not require much effort. It should be noted that zucchini can be planted directly in the ground, or seedlings can be sprouted initially, which will allow to get the first crop several weeks earlier.
Growing zucchini in the open field
Planting seeds in the soil is made in late April, early May. In principle, it should be based on natural conditions: if there are still frosts, then you should not hurry with planting. Prepare the soil in advance: dig it up and loosen it well. If necessary, add compost and humus to it. Pay attention to how much crop you need to get. If you are going to feed only family with zucchini, then it is enough to plant 5-6 seeds, which will bring you a moderate amount of fruit. But if your plans are more ambitious, for example, if you want to feed your pets with zucchini or sell, then plant more. Although, no matter how much you plant, the question of where to put the whole crop will still arise.
2-3 days before planting, soak the seeds in water, after placing them in a gauze bag. When the soil is ready, seed the seeds at a distance of 70-80 cm from each other. Pour the flower bed, then cover it with foil. This will allow the earth to warm up better. The film can be replaced with plastic bottles in which the neck is cut off. They need to cover each hole. By the way, such a shelter will protect the plantings from frost, which can inadvertently descend. When sprouts appear, the film and bottles can be removed. If the nights are still very cold, then shelter should be left for this period of the day. Further care is reduced to timely weeding and moderate (if necessary) watering. As you can see, there is nothing difficult in breeding zucchini on your plot. Growing and caring for them is minimal, but the harvest will be good.
Growing seedlings of zucchini
If you want to get the crop earlier, then first you need to grow seedlings of zucchini. This is easiest to do in an apartment, but if possible, it is best in a greenhouse. It should be noted that the seedlings of zucchini, as well as other pumpkin families, take root with difficulty, so it is most convenient to grow it in peat cups or in ordinary plastic cups that have no bottom. Plant 1-2 seeds in each cup and place in a warm place (on the windowsill). Water the seedlings as the earth dries, however, only with warm water. The calculation is approximately this: 1 liter of water for 8-9 cups. Seedlings need to be fed twice: the first time a week after germination, and the second one after another week.
In open ground seedlings are planted without extraction from the cups. A glass with a plant sinks 2-3 cm below ground level, after which it is well crimped by the soil. While the seedlings have not yet taken root, it should be covered with a film or plastic bottles. Thanks to seedlings, you can collect zucchini much earlier. The cultivation and care of seedlings planted in the ground is described above.
Now think about how you will use zucchini. Cultivation and care played a role, now the main thing remains. First, some types of zucchini are delicious raw. Also, this vegetable can be fried, stewed, made from it rolls for the winter. Fresh adult squash fruits can be stored in a cool place almost until winter, and sometimes longer. Well, of course, zucchini can be sold, especially if they are young and not overripe.