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Courgette & Marrow

Cucurbita pepo

INTRODUCTION

Although Courgettes and Marrows have their own specific varieties, they are botanically the same, with the Courgette being an immature Marrow. Technically a fruit, but always classed as a vegetable.

Known as summer Squash or Zucchini, Courgettes and Marrows are among the easiest of allotment produce to grow and often result in summertime gluts. Using skilful cultivation and a selection of varieties, harvesting can be spread throughout at least 8 months of the year. A versatile garden staple with edible foliage, available in varying shades of green, yellow and stripes.

Soil Preparation

Courgettes and Marrows are not fussy about soil conditions but will definitely reward you if you take the time and trouble to prepare the ground well.

The site should be sunny, sheltered and away from prevailing winds.

For the very best crops, the soil should be deeply cultivated, very rich, fertile and moisture retentive.

Ideally, prepare planting holes filled with well-rotted manure well in advance of sowing or planting. In fact, they grow quite happily planted directly into mature compost heaps.

Prepare the seedbed by removing any weed from the soil and rake level to a fine tilth.

Sowing & Planting

Courgettes and Marrows are not frost hardy and sowing or planting should only be carried out when all risk of frost has passed.

Sowing can be made directly into the growing position or as an alternative, sow seeds into 9cm pots or large modules filled with multi-purpose compost in the greenhouse or cold frame.

Sowings made undercover can begin during mid-April. Ensure resulting plants are well hardened off before planting out.

Direct sown seed can be sown during May, depending on your location. Seed will not germinate at temperatures below 13oc. Sow at a depth of 2.5cm (1 inch)

Courgettes and Marrows produce quite sizable plants, sow or plant out with spacings of at least 60cm (24 inches) slightly more if you have a surplus growing area.

Sowing can continue until late July/early August.

If space is restricted, Courgettes, in particular, are well suited to growing in pots. A container size of between 10 and 20 litres is ideal. 

Courgettes also work well grown in polytunnels where planting can be made much earlier. For this method of production, we recommend using parthenocarpic varieties such as 'Pathenon' that do not require pollination. 

Growing & General Cultivation

Keep growing crops weed-free.

Courgettes and Marrows require regular watering to perform well, especially during dry weather.

They are also heavy feeders, feed every two weeks with liquid feed.

Only grow as many as you can use, this kitchen garden subject has a notorious reputation for producing gluts at a time when you should have plentiful harvests of other fruit and veg.

Pests & Diseases

Courgettes and Marrows are in general pest free. Disease can be more of an issue:

Slugs and Snails can be a problem for young plants - for remedies - see product directory.

Powdery Mildew is a white powdery deposit that can cover stems and foliage. It is usually associated with dry weather and to prevent, avoid plants from drying out. Remove affected foliage as needed or in severe outbreaks, use a suitable fungicide - see product directory.

Cucumber Mosaic Virus shows as yellow speckling on foliage resulting in leaves turning brown. Plants become stunted with reduced harvests. The virus is spread by Aphids, so take necessary precautions. In extreme cases, remove entire plants to reduce the risk of spread. 

Harvesting

When Courgettes or Marrows have reached the required size, cut with a knife taking care not to damage the remaining plant or maturing fruits.

Be warned, fruits can mature very rapidly, especially during warm weather. Regular harvesting is essential to encourage plants to keep producing. 

If fruits are left on plants and become oversized, plants will give up and stop producing any further harvests.

Eat fresh, Courgettes and Marrows do not freeze well.

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