Courgette - Cucurbita pepo

Courgette or as sometimes referred to as zucchini. Sow in pots indoors in April, planting 2 seeds per 75cm (3in) pot, push seeds in sideways to reduce the chance of them rotting. They need gentle heat to germinate, so put them on a warm windowsill. Remove the weaker seedling after they have produced their first pair of true leaves. Plant outside where they are to grow, in early May.

They like moist, very rich soil in a sunny position. Water regularly.

Keep harvesting courgettes from July, when they are small, to encourage further production.

Suggested sowing time:

(Key: sow indoors,   sow outside,   sow outside under cover.)

Culinary use:

Because of their high water content they don't freeze very well. If you have a glut of them, try grating or 'spiralising' them into salads and stir fries or using them in burgers or lasagne.

Cultivars and varieties: