When to plant Courgettes in Cambridge

Sow one seed on its edge in a small pot of warm compost around 7th May - 14th May. Keep the compost just moist and do not sow earlier, because seedlings grow fast and can become root-bound if left too long.

When the first true leaves are formed, move each seedling into a larger pot so roots have room to develop. Handle them gently and keep them in good light from 21st May to 11th June.

Acclimatise plants outdoors from 4th June to 18th June. Start in a sheltered spot by day and bring them in at night, then leave them out longer each day until they cope with full outdoor conditions.

Plant into rich soil around 18th June - 2nd July, once frost risk has passed and the soil is warm. Water in, keep the stem base slightly raised, and space plants 90 cm apart.

From 23rd July to 19th October, keep the soil moist by watering at the base. Once the first fruits swell, feed container plants with a high-potassium liquid fertiliser every 14 days. Plants in rich ground rarely need routine feeding.

Cut courgettes from 23rd July to 5th October while they are 10–12.5 cm long and still tender. Pick every few days to keep the plant producing.