Courgettes

I have a space 15 by 20 inches in my raised bed and I was thinking of growing a single plant, maybe Zucchini. I've had a look in my book and on the internet and I cant find anywhere that gives an indicator of how much room they like. Do you think this would be enough for one?

Thanks, Charlotte

 

lottielou, I dont think thats enough.
The leaves get big and spreading and will probably cover up the other plants you are growing.

 

Thanks for the warning! I'll choose something smaller to put in there.

 

hi lottielou,
definitely that space that you have is quite tight for a zucchini plant.
Zucchini themselves can be enormous!
I can't think of a vegetable which could fit there. Maybe the space would be ok for some herbs?

 

Thats a good idea, thanks. This is my first year of growing and in the excitement I just want to cram as much in as possible :rolleyes:

 

I'd chuck it in myself.

 

I think i'd be inclined to plant a courgette there too, depending on what else you are growing there (e.g. I'd plant so long as whatever else was growing around the space wouldn't mind a few encroaching leaves and courgettes - for example, if the other things were bean plants, they'd be up and out of the way of the courgette plant anyway).
In case you don't know, not having grown them before, they are greedy feeders, so dig the planting hole quite big and add a load of compost or manure - also, it helps to put in some way to pour water straight down to the roots (I use a plastic milk bottle with the bottom cut out, and "plant" it upside down next to and at the same time as the courgette plant). And watch out for slugs!
They are one of my favourite veg, I'd hate to be without at least one plant - and they're very productive .

 

Charlotte asked about how much room courgettes took up. I have just planted mine 3 foot aprt and I would expect the leaves of each plant to touch so shading out any weeds. I dig a hole for each plant one spade depth and the same width. I fill with well rotted manure to the top, place some soil on top and plant on the little mound. It gradually sinks but the manure acts as a moisture reservoir, so reducing the need to water.

 

I stuck some herbs in there instead, I had some on the windowsill in the kitchen which were screaming at me to let them out.

Thanks for the information though! I might just have to make another bed for some :rolleyes:

 

What about capsicum? Don't think they take as much room as a courgette.