Eat zucchini young and unpeeled for maximum effect. They are full of good vitamins. The seeds are also beneficial. They contain certain naturally occurring chemicals which, it has been shown, can help control enlargement of the prostate gland.

Zucchini, or courgettes, are part of the large squash family and they are one of the easiest veggies to grow yourself.

Originally they were simply young marrows. Now you can buy all sorts of colours, shapes and sizes.
When you grow your own organic zucchini you can afford to eat them even younger – healthy plants tend to produce lots of fruits!

I found this collection of seeds on Amazon (UK) – definitely going in my basket!

Johnsons 15228 Vegetable Seeds, COURGETTE & Summer Squash Collection

“Attractive range of colours, shapes, textures and flavours
Collection has Black Beauty, Golden Zucchini, Lebanese, De Nice a fruit round, Patty pan and Yellow Scallop”

NB: If you are growing other squash plants, e.g. pumpkins, label your pots because squash seedlings look very similar.

Use biodegradable pots if you can, so that when the plants go out in the garden later, the whole pot can be planted, which saves time and avoids damaging the roots of your small plants.

TIP. Save cardboard tubes from the inside of toilet rolls, kitchen towels etc; Cut them in half so you have 2 tubes and then cram them into a seed tray. Fill with compost and sow your seeds as usual. The cardboard should survive just long enough to plant out and then will decompose safely.

Grab this quick growing guide from your favourite retailer and get the most from your zucchini plants.

How to Grow Zucchini (updated edition)

over at our Mini Guides page

Happy Gardening!

Linda x

P.S. Whether you call them zucchini or courgettes, these puffs will make a marvellous meal. According to the recipe, preparation time is 5 minutes and cooking time 6 minutes – Sounds good to me 🙂 Courgette Puffs