Growing Courgettes in Pots: The Ultimate Guide for Small-Space Gardeners
Introduction
Courgettes (also known as zucchini) are one of the most rewarding and productive vegetables you can grow—even without a traditional garden. If you’re short on space, growing courgettes in pots is the perfect solution. With just a sunny patio, balcony, or courtyard, you can enjoy a summer-long harvest of fresh, homegrown courgettes.
Courgettes thrive in containers with the right care, and they’re ideal for beginner and urban gardeners. In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: from choosing the right container and compost, to watering, feeding, and harvesting.
Can You Grow Courgettes in Pots?
Yes—courgettes grow exceptionally well in large pots or containers. In fact, pot-grown courgettes often produce better yields because their growing conditions are easier to control.
Benefits of growing in pots:
- Ideal for balconies, patios, and small gardens
- Easier to manage pests like slugs and snails
- Better control over soil quality and drainage
- Convenient access for daily watering and harvesting
Best Courgette Varieties for Containers
Choose compact or bush-type varieties that are bred for small-space growing.
Recommended types:
- ‘Patio Star’ – compact and perfect for pots
- ‘Defender F1’ – mildew-resistant and high-yielding
- ‘Eight Ball’ – small, round courgettes on tidy plants
- ‘Gold Rush’ – yellow courgettes with a bushy habit
- ‘Midnight’ – dwarf courgette with dark green fruits
Avoid traditional trailing types unless you have a large pot and support structure.
What Size Pot Do You Need?
Courgette plants need space for roots and moisture retention.
Container guidelines:
- Minimum size: 35–40cm (14–16 inches) wide and deep
- Material: Terracotta, plastic, wood, or fabric grow bags
- Drainage: Must have holes in the bottom to prevent root rot
- Quantity: One plant per pot is best for healthy growth
Larger pots help prevent stress and reduce how often you’ll need to water.
Best Compost for Courgette Pots
Courgettes are hungry feeders—they need rich, moisture-retentive soil.
Ideal mix:
- 50% peat-free multi-purpose compost
- 25% well-rotted manure or garden compost
- 25% loam-based compost or topsoil
Add a few handfuls of slow-release organic fertiliser (e.g. chicken manure pellets) at planting time.
How to Plant Courgettes in Pots (Step-by-Step)
What you’ll need:
- Healthy courgette seedling or plug plant
- Large container with drainage
- Rich compost mix
- Slow-release fertiliser
- Watering can
Step-by-step instructions:
- Fill the pot with your compost mix, leaving 2–3cm at the top
- Make a hole slightly wider than the plant’s root ball
- Plant the courgette at the same depth as in the pot
- Firm in gently and water thoroughly
- Add mulch (optional) to reduce moisture loss
Position the pot in a sunny, sheltered spot—courgettes need at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily.
Watering Courgettes in Pots
Pots dry out much faster than garden beds.
Watering tips:
- Water daily during dry spells—especially in summer
- Water at the base of the plant, not the leaves, to prevent mildew
- Use mulch to retain moisture (straw, compost, or bark)
- Consider adding a saucer or tray under the pot to help catch runoff
If the plant wilts in the sun, water immediately.
Feeding Courgette Plants in Pots
Feed regularly to support fruit production.
Feeding schedule:
- At planting: mix in slow-release fertiliser
- Once flowers appear: feed weekly with a high-potash liquid feed (e.g. tomato feed)
- Continue feeding throughout the fruiting season
Courgettes are greedy! Regular feeding = more fruits.
Supporting Courgette Plants in Containers
Bush varieties generally don’t need support, but fruit-laden plants can flop.
Support tips:
- Insert a bamboo cane near the base and tie the main stem loosely
- Use a tomato cage or stake if needed
- Rotate the pot occasionally to encourage even growth and sun exposure
Pollination & Flowering
Courgettes produce male and female flowers on the same plant.
To improve pollination:
- Plant near bee-friendly flowers like marigolds or nasturtiums
- Hand-pollinate with a paintbrush if bees are scarce
- Harvest often to encourage more flowers
You’ll recognise female flowers by the mini courgette at the base.
Common Problems When Growing Courgettes in Pots
🐌 Slugs & Snails
- Use copper tape around the pot or set beer traps nearby
- Remove hiding spots like dense mulch or nearby pots
🍃 Powdery Mildew
- Caused by dry roots and humid air
- Water regularly and remove affected leaves
- Improve airflow between plants
🐜 Aphids
- Spray with soapy water or use natural predators (ladybirds)
🍂 Yellowing Leaves
- Could be nutrient deficiency—feed with balanced fertiliser
How to Harvest Courgettes
Start harvesting when fruits are 10–15cm long—younger courgettes are more tender and flavourful.
Tips:
- Use sharp scissors or a knife to cut the fruit
- Pick regularly (every 2–3 days) to encourage continuous production
- Don’t let fruits get too large—they reduce overall yield
Overwintering & End-of-Season Care
Courgettes are tender annuals—they won’t survive UK winters.
- Once production slows (usually late September), compost the plant
- Clean and store pots for reuse
- Save seeds from heirloom varieties if desired
You can sow new seeds indoors from April to repeat the cycle next year.
Conclusion
Growing courgettes in pots is the perfect way to enjoy a bumper harvest of this versatile vegetable, even in the smallest of spaces. With a large enough container, rich soil, regular feeding, and consistent watering, you’ll be rewarded with dozens of courgettes from a single plant all summer long.
Whether you’re growing on a patio, balcony, or courtyard garden, this beginner-friendly veg is low-maintenance and incredibly satisfying to grow. So grab a pot, some compost, and a sunny spot—it’s time to grow your own courgettes!
Top 10 Questions and Answers About Growing Courgettes in Pots
1. Can I grow courgettes in pots?
Yes! With the right pot size, soil, and sun, they thrive in containers.
2. What size pot do I need?
At least 35–40cm wide and deep. Bigger is better for root space and moisture retention.
3. How many courgette plants per pot?
Just one per pot—crowding reduces airflow and increases disease risk.
4. How often should I water courgettes in containers?
Daily during hot weather; always keep the soil consistently moist.
5. What’s the best compost for courgettes in pots?
A mix of multi-purpose compost, well-rotted manure, and loam or topsoil.
6. Do courgette plants need feeding?
Yes! Feed weekly with a high-potash fertiliser once flowers appear.
7. Can I grow courgettes on a balcony?
Absolutely—just ensure enough sunlight and support against wind.
8. Do I need to pollinate courgette flowers?
Bees usually do the job, but you can hand-pollinate if needed.
9. Can I use grow bags instead of pots?
Yes—plant one courgette per grow bag for great results.
10. When should I harvest courgettes?
Pick when they’re 10–15cm long. The more you pick, the more they produce!