Today we'll show you 10 tips for growing zucchini! Zucchini, also known as summer squash, is one of the world's most popular vegetables and has a slew of uses, and is particularly welcomed with anyone that's trying to loose weight! Because zucchini is made mostly of water, it contains very few calories while making you feel full. Zucchini noodles, aka zoodles, are very popular these days, and that's because they're absolutely delicious. They also contain a ton of vitamins and minerals to keep you and your family healthy all year long. Growing your own zucchini does require a little know-how though, so these 10 tips for growing zucchini will get you on the right path!

#1. Sunlight

Zucchinis LOVE the sun, so make sure to plant them in a spot where they get at least 8-10 hours of sunlight. It may be hard to find such a spot at first, but once you do, your zucchini will grow extremely fast!

#2. Space

In order for zucchini to grow big and healthy, they need their own space! Plant your zucchinis in such a way as to leave 3-4″ of space in between each zucchini plant. This will allow them to grow and also for air to circulate properly.

#3. Fertilize

Feed your zucchini fertilizer once a month to make sure they grow big and healthy. Zucchinis love to feed, so it's crucial that you give them a good fertilizer, especially during the summer months.

#4. Mulch

To help retain water, add mulch around an established plant. Not only will this keep weeds away, but it will also add and retain much needed moisture. Additionally, you should also plant your zucchini in well drained soil.

#5. Water

Source: Gardeningknowhow

Because zucchinis love water, make sure to water your plants at least 2 times a week, but only at the base. During the hot summer months, make sure to check the soil more frequently.

#6. pH

Your soil should always have a pH of 6-7. This will ensure healthy plants all season long and will also make sure that your plants aren't diseased. Knowing the soil pH is very important, not only when growing zucchini, but any plant, whether it be edible or not. The soil pH basically tells you exactly what type of soil you have an whether or not it's suitable for the type of plant you're growing.

#7. Squash Bugs & Blossom End Rot

Squash bugs are a thing and they can easily endanger the health of your plant! You can tell if there are squash vine borers if the leaves have pale to brown blotches on them! You can avoid them by planting your zucchini plants in mid-July. Squash vine borers will hide out in the zucchini plant in the winter and emerge in late June. Planting your squash later in the summer will ensure that no bugs make their home there! Another way to prevent them is by wrapping the base of the plant with foil. The foil will prevent them from boring through the plant. Blossom end rot can also occur when there is a calcium deficiency in the plant. Use lime or gypsum to balance the soil's pH.

#8. Harvesting

It's best to harvest your zucchini plants while they are still small, about 3-4 inches across and 5-6 inches long. Additionally, you can also do succession planting. This will give you a long and continuous supply of zucchini, especially because their growing season is so short. Most zucchini varieties are ready for harvest within 40 to 60 days.

#9. Severing

Use a sharp knife to sever the zucchini from the stem. This will protect breakage. Never try to break the zucchini stem off as this could severely hurt the plant.

#10. Zucchini = Squash

All of these 10 tips also apply to any type of squash! Because zucchini IS a squash and they are all very similar, the same properties apply to all! Use these 10 tips for growing zucchini and you'll have a beautiful, healthy harvest in no time! Enjoy those zucchini noodles!