How to Look After Courgette Plants | A Complete Growing Guide

Introduction: From Seed to Harvest Made Simple

Courgette plants (also known as zucchini) are one of the most rewarding crops to grow in the garden or on an allotment. Fast-growing and highly productive, a single plant can yield weeks’ worth of vegetables throughout the summer. But to get the best out of your courgettes, it’s important to know how to care for them properly — from planting to harvesting.

Why Grow Courgettes?

• High Yields – One plant can produce dozens of courgettes
• Fast-Growing – Quick results, often ready within 6–8 weeks
• Versatile Crop – Great for stir-fries, soups, roasting, or baking
• Easy to Grow – Ideal for beginners and experienced gardeners alike

How to Look After Courgette Plants – Step-by-Step

1. Choose the Right Spot

• Courgettes love sunshine and warmth, so pick a sunny, sheltered location.
• They need space to spread — give each plant around 1 metre square of growing room.
• Courgettes can be grown in the ground, raised beds, or large containers (at least 30cm wide and deep).

2. Planting and Spacing

• Sow seeds indoors in April or directly outdoors in late May after the last frost.
• Use rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
• Harden off indoor-grown plants before transplanting.
• Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

3. Watering and Feeding

• Courgettes are thirsty! Water regularly — aim for consistent moisture at the roots, especially during dry spells.
• Avoid wetting the leaves to reduce the risk of mildew.
• Feed weekly with a high-potash fertiliser (like tomato feed) once flowers appear.

4. Supporting the Plant

• Most courgettes are bushy, but some varieties are climbing or trailing and can be trained up supports.
• Use a cane or trellis for vertical varieties to save space and keep fruits clean.

5. Pollination Tips

• Courgette plants produce separate male and female flowers.
• Bees usually do the pollinating, but you can help by hand-pollinating:
  • Gently transfer pollen from a male flower to the centre of a female flower using a small brush or cotton bud.

6. Pest and Disease Control

• Slugs and snails love young plants — use barriers, traps, or organic slug pellets.
• Powdery mildew can be a problem in humid conditions — water the roots, not the leaves, and keep plants well spaced.
• Remove any yellowing or mildewed leaves to improve airflow.

7. Harvesting Courgettes

• Start harvesting when courgettes are 10–15cm long — the smaller they are, the more tender they’ll be.
• Pick regularly to encourage more fruit and prevent them turning into marrows!
• Use a sharp knife or scissors to avoid damaging the plant.

Bonus Tips

• Companion plants like marigolds and nasturtiums help attract pollinators and deter pests.
• Mulching around the base keeps roots cool and conserves moisture.
• Pinch out growing tips if plants get too leafy and unproductive.

Common Problems and Fixes

Conclusion

Courgette plants are generous, fast-growing, and low maintenance with the right care. By providing plenty of sun, regular water, and rich soil, you’ll be rewarded with a bumper crop that keeps producing for weeks. Whether you’re growing in a bed or a pot, learning how to properly look after your courgettes will give you fresh, tasty veg all summer long.