Rehoboth

  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

  Harvest 65 to 80 days after transplanting , depending on the variety . The skin of the fruit is shiny and unwrinkled and a uniform color when it is ready for harvest As soon as the skin does not rebound to gentle pressure from your finger , it’s ripe. Japanese eggplant may be ready to harvest when the size of a finger or hot dog Cut the fruit with a sharp knife or pruning shears close to the stem, leaving about an inch of it attached. Once ready , eggplants are harvested at least once per week, preferably twice a week.

  Flea Beetles is the most common pest , but a healthy eggplant will be able to withstand damage . Grow plants under row covers until they are large enough to tolerate leaf damage.   Powdery Mildew can affect eggplant. This appears as white, powdery spots on the leaves which may turn yellow and die. Planting resistant varieties when available, planting in full sun , and provide good air circulation .  Tomato Hornworms are sometimes an issue as are potato beetles , lace bugs, and  mites . If the flowers on your eggplants form but then fall off , or if fruit does not develop these are symptoms of pests in the plants Most pests and diseases can be controlled organically with Insecticidal soap and Neem oil mix spray . Home Gardening Ideas

  Apply a balanced fertilizer like cattle compost every month during the growing season.  Fertilizer to be applied through side dressing , a process of digging a 6-inch trench around each plant and applying a fertilizer to it to keep nutrients available to the plant on an as-needed basis. Side dress again in after one month . You can also fertilize your seedlings with vermicompost As brinjal grow, it will need regular replenishment of nutrients in the soil. A good-quality organic NPK fertilizer can also be used for this purpose, which contains high nitrogen , phosphorus, and potassium Liquid fertilizer like Fish emulsion can be applied to increase the immunity and promote plant growth .  Epsom salts can also be provided to aid flowering and healthy plant growth as they are rich in magnesium .