Courgettes (Zucchini) Farming Guide: How to Grow High-Yield, Healthy Zucchinis

Zucchini, also known as courgette (Cucurbita pepo var. cylindrica), is quickly gaining popularity among Kenyan farmers. Its increasing presence in local markets and demand from hotels and restaurants make it one of the most promising horticultural crops to grow today.

Courgette farm

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced farmer, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about zucchini farming—from soil preparation to harvest.

🪴 1. Understanding Zucchini

Zucchini belongs to the cucurbit family, alongside cucumber, melon, and pumpkin. Unlike its relatives, zucchini is more tolerant of cooler conditions, though it still thrives best in warm, sunny weather.

It is valued for its tender fruits, edible flowers, and young leaves—all of which can be eaten raw or cooked.

🌍 2. Ideal Growing Conditions

To achieve optimal yields, zucchinis need:

• Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter.

• A soil pH of 6.0–7.5—if your soil is acidic, apply lime as recommended after testing.

• Moderate, consistent moisture throughout the growing period.

💡 Tip: Incorporate one wheelbarrow of well-rotted compost or manure per square metre of soil and prepare raised beds about 25 cm high. This improves drainage and keeps leaves off the ground, reducing disease risk.

☀️ 3. Planting in Full Sun

Zucchini requires full sunlight for at least 6–8 hours a day. Avoid humid or overly shaded areas, as these promote mildew.

Courgette flowers

Germination Tips:

1. Soak seeds between two moist kitchen towels for three days to boost germination.

2. Sow three seeds per hole at 1.5 cm depth, and thin out to the strongest seedling after two to three weeks.

3. Space plants 120 cm by 60 cm apart, as they grow wide and need breathing space.

You can also grow two plants on opposite ends of a seedbed. Some varieties may require light staking or support to improve air circulation and prevent breakage.

🌿 4. Fertilization and Feeding

Feed your plants regularly for steady growth and fruiting. After four weeks, top-dress with compost or apply liquid organic fertilizer.

Homemade Organic Fertilizer Recipe:

You can make a natural fertilizer using tithonia, stinging nettle, or comfrey leaves.

Steps:

1. Chop the leaves and soak them in a bucket of water.

2. Stir daily and cover loosely to let it breathe.

3. After two weeks, when bubbling stops, strain the mixture.

4. Dilute 1:10 for soil feeding or 1:20 for foliar spraying.

5. Apply weekly for healthy, green plants and increased yield.

💧 5. Watering and Mulching

Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Always water at the base—avoid wetting the leaves, as this can trigger fungal diseases.

Mulching with dry grass or straw helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain soil temperature.

🍃 6. Pest and Disease Management

Like other cucurbits, zucchini is prone to several pests and diseases, including:

• Fruit flies

• Epilachna beetles

• Spider mites and whiteflies

• Powdery and downy mildew

• Wet rot and mosaic virus

✅ Regularly inspect your plants and use organic pest control methods such as neem oil sprays, crop rotation, and intercropping with repellent herbs like basil or marigold.

🍆 7. Harvesting Zucchini

Zucchinis mature in about 8 weeks after planting. Harvest regularly to encourage continuous production.

• Use a sharp knife to cut fruits off the plant — never pull them, as this can damage the stems.

• Harvest when the fruits are 15–20 cm long for the best texture and flavor.

• Avoid leaving mature fruits on the plant for too long; this slows down further production.

Under good management, harvesting can continue for up to four weeks or more.

🏡 8. Post-Harvest and Market Potential

Fresh zucchinis are firm, tender, and glossy green. They can be sold to:

• Local markets

• Hotels and restaurants

• Urban vegetable vendors

Additionally, the leaves, shoots, and flowers are becoming a popular delicacy in gourmet kitchens—offering farmers extra income streams.

Courgette fruits

🌾 Final Thoughts

Zucchini farming is a profitable and low-maintenance venture for both small-scale and commercial farmers. With proper soil preparation, regular feeding, and good pest management, you can enjoy consistent yields all year round—except during periods of heavy rain, which can damage flowers and promote mildew.

Start small, experiment with organic fertilizers, and soon you’ll be harvesting fresh, healthy zucchinis right from your garden or farm.