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The Do’s and Don’ts of Growing Zucchini

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photo: Christina Mitchell

photo: Christina Mitchell

I’ve been growing tomatoes and peppers for a few years, and decided to add summer squash to my garden this summer.  Even after making several mistakes, I successfully grew my first zucchini!   It is humongous and weirdly-shaped, but I’m still so proud of myself.   Here are some things I’ve learned:

  • Do get your starts from a small business like Pollinate.

  • Do water them every day.

  • Don’t get busy and put off planting them for an entire month.

  • Do plant them anyway and hope for the best.

  • Don’t freak out if a blossom falls off when you just barely touch it.

  • Do look up the difference between male and female blossoms.

  • Do use a tomato cage to promote upward growth.

  • Don’t leave the plants unattended for a few days because a zucchini will start growing like crazy when you’re out of town.

  • Don’t be alarmed if the zucchini grows into the tomato cage.  It’s persistent and will find a way to get around the obstacle.

  • Do harvest your humongous, weirdly-shaped zucchini as soon as you get home.

  • Do take a picture.

  • Don’t be afraid to cook your first zucchini, even though it is humongous and weirdly-shaped. (I diced half and threw it in with scrambled eggs, cherry tomatoes, parsley and parmesan…yum!)

  • Do ask for other recipes because you’ll probably be drowning in zucchini in a week or so (Help!)

Christina Mitchell

Christina Mitchell

Christina is the founder of East Bay Dish. Her writing has also been featured in East Bay Express, Berkeleyside, Oakland Magazine and Edible East Bay.
Christina Mitchell

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