A CORNUCOPIA OF COURGETTES

It's time to sow a first batch of tender crops such as courgettes for picking through the summer months. KG editor Steve Ott has some tips for a super harvest

- Steve Ott

Courgettes have a reputation for being productive to the point of excess and it's true that when conditions are right, they do seem to appear overnight. Miss one today and it's a marrow tomorrow!

It's not always plain sailing however - in an early cold spell they can sit and sulk a little and early in the season when there are fewer pollinators around, they can be slow to set fruit. But with a little know-how you can be virtually guaranteed of enough fruit to feed your extended family and beyond.

They have other upsides - they can be expensive in the shops, so are worth growing at home; most varieties are great for smaller spaces they certainly take up less room than other summer squashes - and they are great for beginners since they need little care and attention. There is a great range of varieties available too, which makes them attractive and interesting to look at in the garden and on the plate.

SOWING

Seeds of this tender (frost sensitive) crop are usually sown from April onwards so that they can be grown into established plants through May and planted out (depending on your location) in June.

If you love your courgettes you may want to consider a second sowing a month after the first to give a continuity of cropping into the autumn when powdery mildew and colder weather usually brings them to an end.

Sow one seed 12mm (1/2in) deep into a small pot or large-celled tray filled with fresh sowing compost and water well. Conventional wisdom is to sow the flattish seeds on their side to allow water to drain off and to reduce rotting.

Place your pots in a little heat - a warm, sunny windowsill or heated propagator is ideal. The seeds need a minimum of 15-18C (60-65F) for germination.