What if you can grow zucchini not from seeds or store bought but scraps? Well, in this guide, you will learn how to grow zucchini from scraps, even if you've never done it before.
As a member of the cucurbitaceae family, experts recommend the popular zucchini vegetable because it is relatively easy to grow.
Depending on the condition, the zucchini plant can produce abundant fruits in less than 80 days - it produces up to 10 pounds of zucchini fruits per plant.
Also known as 'courgette,' a lot of people recognize it for its great taste. You're probably one, and now you wonder how you can grow zucchini.
Let's get started!
Table of Contents
Can You Grow Zucchini From Scraps?
Are scraps not supposed to be leftovers? Can you even grow zucchini from scraps and the possibility of producing fruits.
Yes, you can! zucchinis are great plants that do not require forever to grow. So if you have zucchini right in your palms, you can save the scraps so you can harvest a good number of them this growing season!
You'll only need a handy guide to refer to, so you do a great job even if it is your first time- my first time? Yes.
Now here's a step-by-step guide on how to grow your zucchini from scraps.
How to Grow Zucchini from Scraps
Growing the zucchini plant is easy; however, you have to follow these procedures for a rewarding outcome.
1. Prepare your scraps
You can choose from many varieties like Eldorado or sunburst, but you need to grow the one you like to eat. And now that you have your favorite zucchini.
When selecting zucchini scraps, it is advisable to choose from the matured zucchini for easy germination. In other words, immature seeds will not germinate. Get your seeds from scraps using your finger or spoon.
Wash the seeds thoroughly, and pat dry them with a towel. Spread them on the tray, and this is to air dry or sun dry them. Then turn them for some days to dry well.
Now, you might be wondering how long it will take to dry zucchini! Well, it will take approximately 2- 3 days to dry your zucchini seeds properly.
2. Potting
If you are planting your zucchini in a pot, you will want to get a well-draining pot that retains water. It's advisable to plant in a pot before replanting them into the garden.
Note: Zucchini is one of the plants that will experience difficulty adapting to a new home; however, knowing how to transplant zucchini will help you get better results.
3. Get the right soil
Zucchini will grow in any soil, but it will do better in rich loam soil. To improve the soil texture, mix a 3-inch layer of compost. You can opt for organic compost.
The soil pH should range between 6.0 to 6.8. If the soil is too acidic, it will cause stunted growth and yellowing foliage. Also, soil temperature requirements range from 60-70°F.
4. Plant the seeds
Once you're done filling the container with the right potting mix, make a 2-inch hole with your finger. Plant 2 or 3 seeds in a container that is at least 20 inches in diameter.
You are planting 2 to 3 seeds in a hole because there are chances that all might not grow. Make sure to give enough space, and as they grow some inches tall, trim weak ones so the strongest plant can grow.
Note: Zucchinis produce fruits very often; it is natural to slow down during the growing season.
5. Temperature
As a warm-season crop, zucchini does not tolerate cold temperature or withstand frost. Preferably plant zucchini during early summer with the temperature at 70°F.
However, if you live in cold regions and can take the responsibility, make sure to cover your plants during the night- night is mostly the time the coldest weather occurs, even till earliest morning.
Outsmart the frost by using organic mulch too.
6. Watering zucchini plants
Your zucchini needs lots of water to grow well. The soil should be moist but not soggy. Filling the pot with water will attract diseases and, in some cases, unwanted guests!
Water once a week during spring and two times during dry seasons. When watering the plant, avoid the leaves. Water just the stem. This is to avoid droopy leaves and insects.
7. Lighting
This loving plant requires light to enhance growth. Expose to full sun for 6- 8 hours, preferably early morning and late evening sun.
Just as they love full sun, exposing them to too much sun can burn the leaves. So, it needs shade as well.
8. Fertilizing
For extra care, fertilize one month after planting. This helps in delivering continuous fruit during the growing season.
Further tips
Zucchini can be susceptible to pest infestation. So,
Look out for pests like; powdery mildew, squash bugs, squash vine borers, and bacteria wilt. They love zucchini and might visit your plant.
The squash vine borer's mission is first to lay eggs at the base of the plant. As the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the stems of the plants and feed on them.
This reduces the 'flow' of water and will slowly kill your zucchini. To avoid pest;
- Plant during mid-July
- Rotate spots so that you can help prevent squash bugs and others.
- Use insecticide and disease control spray to protect your zucchini plant
- Also, mulch is a good idea to stave them off
- Remove yellow and crispy leaves. Prune damaged stems for healthy growth
- Use mulch to prevent frosts, overwatering, and pests
- Consider using companion plants to enhance growth
Can you plant zucchini scraps in water?
Perhaps you intend to plant zucchini in water. It is important to note that it prefers nutrients and a warm environment. And so it can only grow well in potting mix or soil garden.
Does zucchini need space to grow?
Yes, it does; why?
Zucchini is a bulky upright plant, and you need to expose it to air and sunlight to avoid diseases from rot. Plant 2-4 inches away from each other.
If you are growing in a pot, you'll need only one plant to occupy the whole space. Don't worry about the number even one plant can produce 9-10 pounds of fresh zucchini?
Conclusion
Now you see, it is easy to grow zucchini even if it is your first time. If you take the time to apply this step-by-step guide on how to grow zucchini plants from scraps, then you'll get rewarding results.
What can be more fulfilling than harvesting so many great vegetables fresh from your garden consecutively in a growing season?
A quick reminder, choose mature seeds from scraps, plant on good soil, water consistently, expose to full sun, fertilize to enhance growth, prune damaged stems and care for your zucchini!
Hopefully, you have a good time growing your zucchini from scraps!
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