Start Your Vegetable Gardening Journey with Zucchini

Growing zucchini in pots is a simple, rewarding and space-saving way to dive into container gardening, whether you're living in the suburbs or tackling urban gardening in a small space. They are one of the easiest veggies to grow, especially in pots. Like everything, though, a bit of a helping hand can get you further along.

Seriously, zucchini plants are incredibly adaptable and the best to grow in pots, as they easily grow vertically if you 'train' them. When I think about that, I get the mental image of 'training a dog,' what about you?

It is similar ~ you tie up the zucchini plant, showing it where and how you want it to grow. This adaptability makes them a perfect choice for container gardening. 

First thing first: not all zucchini are created equal. Some will grow better in your pots than others. Knowing which varieties to choose is key to a successful zucchini harvest.

The Best Zucchini Varieties to Grow in Containers Are

Remember, you need to know that zucchini is a summer vegetable and grow according to your climate. Growing zucchini during winter is only possible indoors.

There are two main types: the large varieties, which are great for growing in pots, and the bush varieties, which are better suited for garden beds.

When selecting zucchini varieties for container gardening, it's essential to pick compact and well-suited for confined spaces. The best zucchini for growing in pots stay relatively small and produce abundant fruit without taking up too much space.

Some types of zucchini:

• Astea: A French variety of bush that was specifically developed for growing in pots. Their fruits grow at the base of the plant, making them easier to harvest in 48 days.

• Bush Baby: These plants grow to 45-50cm (18-24 inches) in height and produce small fruit. These dark green vegetables with grey stripes only measure 15cm (6 inches) and mature within 59 days.

• Golden: This golden fruit has been a favourite in gardens for decades. A bush variety that tops out at over 1m tall. These golden fruits are harvest-ready approx. 50 days after planting, providing plenty of produce throughout the season.

• Dark Green: The 'Dark Green' variety produces dark green, 20cm (6- to 8-inch) long fruits with pale flesh. These heirloom plants reach a mature height of 60-70cm (24-36 inches) and are usually ready for harvesting in 45–55 days after planting.

• Grey: This green and white speckled zucchini, often known as 'Grey' or 'Tender Gray,' is a heat-resistant bush variety growing to a mature height of 60cm (24-36 inches). With the actual zucchini growing to approx 15cm (6 inches) long, these fruits are medium in colour, green on the outside, but flecks of grey start coming through at about 4 ounces before turning bulbous. With a long harvest period of 42–45 days from seedling to ripe fruit, you're set for the season!

• Buckingham Patio: These plants grow in most climates and produce beautiful yellow fruit ready for harvest within 40 days of planting - of course, yellow has to be your thing if you wanna grow these!

These container-friendly zucchini varieties are perfect for small gardens or even patio spaces, allowing you to enjoy homegrown zucchini even when garden space is limited.

How to Grow Zucchini in Containers

Growing zucchini in pots gives you more control over the growing conditions, and it's a perfect way to use limited space. To get started, use containers that are at least 12 inches deep and wide to ensure your zucchini plants have enough room to grow.

Before diving into the specifics, it's worth noting that growing zucchini successfully comes down to the proper preparation. From choosing the right variety to providing adequate care, each step sets the stage for a thriving zucchini plant. Ready to get started? Here's everything you need to know.

1. Choosing the Best Containers for Zucchini Plants

The right container for any plant depends on its size and whether there is enough root space. When growing zucchini, you also need to be able to add stakes for plant stability.

Containers around 45cm deep (18in) should allow for approximately 20 L (5G) of soil. An added bonus is that if you have a layer of gravel at the bottom and no holes in the base, you can fill this area with water and have a drainage hole a little higher up. This can convert a container into a small wicking bed! Do your research; it can be a great asset in warm areas.

There are many container options. Try upcycling ~ check your local tip shops, op shops, even Facebook Marketplace or local groups. Let's reduce landfill!

Containers can be anything from plastic, ceramic, terracotta, or even polystyrene boxes (though these only last a season).

2. Create the Ideal Soil Mix for Healthy Zucchini Growth

Zucchini plants are a type of squash, like pumpkin, so they need moist soil to grow. This can be challenging in warm climates, as fungal issues are common.

If you can generate your own soil and compost, that's wonderful. If not, research the local potting mix, soil mix, and compost mix ~ these mixes are truly not all created equal. A good one will retain water (and may even have water crystals in it) and slow-release fertiliser.

Here's a pro tip: After each season, empty the soil and refill it. The nutrients will mostly be used up, and without being 'refreshed,' next season's crops won't have anything to help them grow.

This can cause nutrient deficiencies like blossom end rot (BER) in zucchini, which is a calcium deficiency.

3. Find the Best Location to Help Your Zucchini Thrive

Zucchini are summer plants that love full sun (though in really hot areas, a little shade helps). They need temperatures between 4–21°C (40°F–70°F) and 6 hours of sunlight daily, which is essential for the best growth.

A sunny spot is best for growing.

4. Ensure The Proper Planting and Watering Your Zucchini

The soil temperature must be at least 15°C (60°F) to grow zucchini from seed. Below that, the seeds will likely not germinate.

It's important to get seeds from a source that guarantees good germination rates—not just cheap supermarket packs. They're cheap for a reason.

Keep the fruit from growing too large to encourage large quantities. This limits the number of fruits grown and gives them a woody texture. Harvest when they are medium-sized and grow more!

It's often best to germinate seeds in seedling trays, as the spacing is perfect and gives your container time to finish growing something else.

When planting, make sure there's enough space for the plant to spread. Powdery mildew is common in humid areas, so ensure good airflow through the leaves, even trimming off lower leaves.

Water is enough to keep the soil moist but not wet. Growing zucchini in your aquaponics system will ensure good watering and fertiliser!

5. Give Your Zucchini the Care It Needs to Flourish

Some people say to start removing the bottom leaves that are dead or damaged when the plant is 60cm tall. However, in humid areas, remove damaged leaves early.

Try not to damage any fruit. In areas with fruit flies, wrap your zucchini plants in mesh bags. Humidity has its issues.

Zucchini requires full sun and is considered a heavy feeder. Weekly fertilising or tonics can help. If you can compost, this is a great option for fertilising. Alternatively, use worm farm castings. These have great benefits for your zucchini plants.

Mulching can consist of shredded leaves, grass clippings, or straw. Before planting your crops, add 5cm (2 inches) of mulch around seedlings and add more as the plant grows. This keeps moisture in.

Hand pollination is effective in ensuring that fruits are pollinated. Male and female flowers are easy to distinguish—the female flowers have fruit behind them.

6. Harvest Your Zucchini for Maximum Yield and Flavour

When your fruit has ripened, twist it off at the top and use it. Zucchini is excellent grated and frozen to add to fritters or breads.

You can eat the fruit, the flowers, and even the healthy leaves. The more you harvest, the more energy the plant puts into growing more. If you leave the fruit to get too big, it will reduce the amount of fruit grown.

Harvest your zucchini when it's still medium-sized—this ensures better flavour and encourages more fruit production.

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Candy Alexander is a dedicated aquaponics enthusiast with a wealth of formal training in aquaculture. Over the past 15 years, Candy has been deeply immersed in both commercial and backyard aquaponics, honing her skills and expertise in this sustainable farming method.

Candy's passion lies in making aquaponics accessible to everyone. With a mission to simplify aquaponics, she believes that anyone can embark on this sustainable journey.

She encourages those new to aquaponics to "kick the tires" without a significant financial investment. Her guidance focuses on helping people start their aquaponics journey with small-scale systems, ensuring a low barrier to entry for newcomers.

Candy shares practical tips, step-by-step guides, and personal stories to inspire and guide readers on their aquaponics adventure. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or a curious beginner, Candy Alexander is your go-to source for simplifying aquaponics and fostering a sustainable gardening experience.