Planting Out Courgettes: A Step-by-Step Guide to Thriving Outdoor Plants

Introduction

Courgettes (also known as zucchini) are one of the most satisfying vegetables to grow—fast-growing, heavy-yielding, and perfect for UK gardens, allotments, and patios. But to get those big, juicy harvests, timing and technique are crucial when it comes to planting out courgettes.

Whether you’ve grown your seedlings indoors or bought young plants from a garden centre, knowing when and how to plant courgettes outside can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from soil preparation and spacing to hardening off and avoiding pests.

When to Plant Courgettes Outside in the UK

Courgettes are frost-sensitive, so they must only be planted out after the last frost.

Ideal planting time:

Southern UK: Late May
Midlands/Northern UK: Early June
Scotland & cooler areas: Mid-June or grow under cloches/polytunnels

Check your local frost date and wait until night temperatures are reliably above 10°C.

Hardening Off Courgette Seedlings

Before planting out, courgette plants grown indoors need to be hardened off.

What is hardening off?

It’s the process of gradually introducing indoor-grown seedlings to outdoor conditions—sunlight, wind, and temperature changes.

How to do it:

Start 7–10 days before planting
Put plants outside during the day, bring them in at night
Increase exposure gradually each day
Avoid planting out during very windy or rainy weather

This prevents transplant shock and encourages stronger, more resilient plants.

Choosing the Right Location

Courgettes love warmth and sunshine. Choose a site that offers:

✅ Full sun (6–8 hours minimum)
✅ Shelter from strong winds
✅ Rich, well-drained soil
✅ Space to spread (or vertical supports for climbing varieties)

If space is limited, courgettes also grow well in large containers or grow bags.

Soil Preparation

Courgettes are heavy feeders, so it’s worth preparing the soil in advance.

Step-by-step soil prep:

Dig in well-rotted compost or manure (a bucketful per planting site)
Add organic fertiliser like chicken manure pellets
Ensure free-draining soil to avoid root rot
Mound the soil into small hills (optional) to improve drainage and heat absorption

Avoid planting in the same spot as last year’s squash or pumpkins to reduce disease risk.

How to Plant Out Courgettes: Step-by-Step

You’ll need:

Healthy seedlings (around 15–20cm tall)
A trowel or spade
Mulch (optional)
Watering can

Step 1: Dig your holes

Space 60–90cm apart in all directions
Make holes large enough to accommodate the root ball

Step 2: Water seedlings well

Soak the pots before planting to reduce stress

Step 3: Transplant with care

Remove plants from pots, handling by leaves (not stems)
Place at the same depth they were in the pot
Firm soil gently around the base

Step 4: Water thoroughly

Water deeply after planting to settle the roots
Keep well watered in the first week while plants establish

Step 5: Mulch around plants (optional)

Use straw, compost, or grass clippings to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Spacing and Layout Tips

Number of plants	Space required	Ideal layout
1–2	One large grow bag or raised bed	Centre spaced
3–5	Ground bed (1.5m x 2m)	Rows or triangle
6+	Large plot/allotment	60–90cm apart in all directions

Courgettes are sprawling plants, so allow room for leaves to grow without shading each other.

Container Growing

If you’re short on space, courgettes grow very well in large pots.

Requirements:

Container size: At least 35–40cm deep and wide
Soil: Rich compost mixed with manure or organic fertiliser
Support: Some varieties benefit from staking as they grow
Water daily in warm weather—containers dry out faster

Great for patios, balconies, and sunny corners!

Caring for Courgettes After Planting

Watering:

Keep soil consistently moist
Water at the base, not on the leaves
During hot spells, water early morning or evening

Feeding:

Start feeding once fruits appear
Use a liquid tomato feed weekly for heavy cropping

Support:

Use canes or slings for varieties with heavy fruits or upright growth
Remove weeds to reduce competition and pests

Protecting Young Plants

Courgette seedlings are vulnerable to:

🐌 Slugs and Snails

Use organic slug pellets, copper rings, or beer traps
Create barriers with sharp grit or crushed eggshells

🐞 Aphids

Spray with soapy water or neem oil if infestations occur
Encourage ladybirds and hoverflies as natural predators

❄️ Cold Snaps

Cover with fleece or cloches if the weather turns chilly unexpectedly

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Planting too early – Cold soil can stunt or kill young plants
🚫 Poor drainage – Courgettes hate soggy roots
🚫 Overcrowding – Leads to mildew and poor airflow
🚫 Underwatering – Can cause small or bitter fruits
🚫 Ignoring pests – Young plants are slug magnets

Companion Plants for Courgettes

Great neighbours include:

Marigolds – repel pests
Nasturtiums – lure aphids away
Radishes and lettuces – fill in space before courgettes spread
Beans – help fix nitrogen in soil

Avoid planting near potatoes (which compete for nutrients) or cucumbers (can encourage shared pests/disease).

Conclusion

Planting out courgettes correctly is the key to a summer full of delicious, homegrown vegetables. With the right preparation, timing, and aftercare, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest from just a few plants.

Whether you grow them in the ground, in containers, or on an allotment, courgettes are one of the most productive and rewarding crops in any garden. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll be well on your way to courgette success!