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  Zucchini can be harvested at the moment they reach a usable size about 6 to 8 inches in length Generally zucchini is harvested when its tender and they have good flavor when they are young . Also  smaller fruits have superior taste Zucchini can grow 1 to 2 inches a day Zucchini that grows very large will be pulpy , seedy, and bitter flavored.  Carefully cut fruits off the plant with a knife or pruners when zucchini are between 3 and 8 inches long. Leave about two inches of the stem to remain on the fruit. To help them store longer , harvest with at least an inch of stem still attached. If grown correctly and healthily , you should be able to harvest zucchini multiple times in one growing season. Home Gardening Ideas

  Zucchini plants are vulnerable to a number of pests like squash bugs, fruit borers , cucumber beetles and powdery mildew  Biggest problems for Zucchini is because of fruit borer.  Fruit borer larvae feed inside the main stem of the plant, hollowing it out and cause plant death . To prevent fruit borers affecting zucchini, lower portion of the stem should be wrapped with aluminum foil to keep the female moths away from egg-laying sites. Zucchini plants are prone to be attacked by fungal diseases like powdery mildew.  Symptoms are the leaves appear to be covered in a  powder-like coating and this lead to reduced photosynthesis and reduced production . To overcome powdery mildew, neem based liquid pesticide can be sprayed along with soap liquid on regular intervals.  Zucchini are heavy feeders. Feed the zucchini plants  with 250 grams of organic matter after 30 days of planting . While fertilizing the zucchini, remove the top soil and side-dress zucchini with c

  Zucchini needs plenty of moisture and lots of organic fertilizer for proper growth . Grow them in rich, well-drained soil in full sun . Zucchini plants need regular feeding in addition to being planted in the rich, nutritious soil mentioned earlier Remove the top soil around the Zucchini plants and apply finished compost or well-rotted manure or 1 cup of complete organic fertilizer beneath each plants and cover them with the same layer of soil. Liquid fertilizer like Fish Emulsion can also be applied to the plants to increase the immunity and promote plant growth . Water the soil around them regularly in the morning s and always avoid overhead watering to prevent attract diseases like mildew . Install a drip irrigation at the time of planting to keep the soil moist all the time. Home Gardening Ideas

  Zucchini plants can be grown from young plants or seeds.   When starting with seeds , they should be sown directly in the garden or in the grow bags . They can also be planted together in a single container and can be transplanted to individual grow bags Optimal soil temperature for germination of the seeds is 25-35°C   When the soil has warmed up in your grow bag, plant seeds one-half inch deep, 3 to 4 inches apart , in rows that are 2 to 3 feet apart . Seeds should sprout in 7-14 days after planting them. Thin plants so that they are spaced 6 to 8 inches apart once they are 4 to 5 inches tall . After seedlings are grown a few inches height, Thin to one plant per spot once the seeds have sprouted and have grown their first set of true leaves . Once seedlings are established , create a mulch around the plants to keep the ground temperature stable and also helps the soil retain water . Home Gardening Ideas