When to plant Courgettes in Durham

Sow one seed on its edge in a small pot of warm compost around 10th May - 17th 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 24th May to 14th June.

Acclimatise plants outdoors from 7th June to 21st 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 21st June - 5th 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 26th July to 16th 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 26th July to 2nd October while they are 10–12.5 cm long and still tender. Pick every few days to keep the plant producing.