The Shelters

As an avid appreciator of vegetable gardens, I am sad that a wonderful video clip demonstrating, planting and growing of Zucchini was viewed only 8000 times. Surely, it (both the content of the video and the person demonstrating the planting) deserves better attention.

Invariably even a staunch vegan backs away if asked whether he/she is willing to grow Zucchini (any vegetable for that matter) at the backyard, though the technique involving a growing a Zucchini is same as growing a tomato.

Like any other vegetables, Zucchini can be planted either as a mini plant itself sold at nurseries or as seeds. I believe this initial step is better explained in this YouTube video below. Please note that the temperature of the soil should not below 16°C.

Similar to the basic gardening methods, fill the pitch with compost and mound slightly.

“No frost please” , begs Zucchini.

Like me, Zucchini hates frost. Hence, it is essential to give it a roof over its head. Dig a hole measuring 1 inch in depth and diameter. Leave a gap of three feet between each plant.

Since Zucchini loves to be out on the direct sunlight for 6 hours minimum a day, I think it loves the South American countries that pour warmth as its citizens.

Oh yes, I almost forgot. It is advisable to prepare a thick mulch to preserve the soil moisture and keep the fruits from touching the ground.

Best time to harvest Zucchini:

Zucchini grows up to 12 inches when fully matured. Man, to satisfy his taste, harvests the vegetable when it reaches 6 inches. In fact, all squashes are immaturely harvested.

Please be gentle to the plant while plucking the firm vegetable by cutting the stems from the plants gently with a knife.

Useful tips regarding preserving and eating Zucchini:

Zucchini contains mostly water and are vulnerable to dehydration even at room temperature. Therefore, summer squashes should be harvested just before cooking and should be kept in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag until cooking.

I prefer to peel off the skin of Zucchini to get real taste of it. It is how my grandma cooked it. Don’t forget to cut both the ends.

Though Zucchini is mostly used in salads, it can be also be boiled to make a semi liquid dish.

Trivia regarding Zucchini:

• Its blossoms are delicious to eat.
• It hates potatoes as its neighbor on the earth.