Growing Zucchini

The other day I was thinking...Wouldn't it be nice to hear from someone else for a change?  I'd love to see what you are up to in the garden and what works for your area.  I met Joyce through a giveaway I sponsored with Mary's Heirloom Seeds and I am thrilled to introduce you. 
I'm currently stalking her at It's Your Life!

Let's give a warm welcome to Joyce!

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This is the first time I am growing zucchini from a seed, and as it started to sprout, it reminded me of Audrey 2 from the movie “Little Shop of Horrors,” so now that is her name. Like Audrey 2 I thought I was going to lose my first zucchini plant. I noticed the roots were growing up out of the soil, and had to adjust her two different times before she started sprouting.

Audrey 2 has grown so fast in just under a month, and while she is ready to be transplanted into the garden there is not one. We have had so muchhhhh rain here on the North Shore of Louisiana the ground is to wet to do anything. Once again fearing for my first zucchini plant I knew I had to do something.  I had a bigger home for her, and therefore moved her until her final home is ready.

Because the weather here is still cool, not cold just cool, I had to be careful that I did not bring trauma to Audrey2. I cleaned out the planter, filled it with soil, and brought into the house until it was the same temperature as the soil she was in. The roots were already poking through the starter planter, so I cut off what I could without harming the roots, and transplanted her to her new home. 

You can buy a soil thermometer at a local store carrying gardening items, because it does not get real cold here we were unable to purchase one. We just went by touch, and the transplant was a success.

I will incorporate Audrey 2 into our garden in place of squash in the Three Sister’s Garden method. It was after reading Mary’s blog on this topic that I really became interested (obsessed) with companion planting.

Corn will benefit from the zucchini’s prickly leaves which will help to deter raccoons, and other animals seeking to snack on your corn. I will also be planting some borage with my zucchini which not only attracts bees, but the leaves can be used as mulch around the zucchini for calcium. Some potted peppermint will help to keep away aphids, I will use a shepherd’s hook to hang the peppermint, dill also repeals aphids, along with squash bugs, and whiteflies.

Planting marigold throughout the garden will not only attract bees, but also ward off a variety of pests. Nasturtiums also benefit the garden as marigold, but the flowers are edible and said to have a sharp radish type taste.

For the most part you can plant any other plants with zucchini except potatoes which inhibits its growth.
Here are some links to some of my favorite zucchini recipes:
Zucchini Pizza Crust
Zucchini Cakes
Zucchini Pizza Bites
Zucchini Bake with Feta and Thyme 
Zucchini Tots *I would use 1/2 cup of bread crumbs as I found them too mushy using 1/4 cup
Baked Zucchini Fries

Note that I have purchased the majority of my seeds from Mary’s Heirloom Seeds. I love the fact that all her seeds are GMO free, this is my personal opinion I am not receiving anything for stating this.

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Interested in being a Guest?

Send me an email to mari_backtonature@yahoo.com

Happy Planting!

Linking up HERE and Wildcrafting Wednesday.