6. Good Organic Gardening - November-December 2016 AvxHome.in

Zucchini | FAMILY HEIRLOOMS
They can get too big very quickly
Harvest
Zucchini are best harvested when they are
roughly 15cm long, when the skin is tender
and the seeds are small. To harvest, cut the
stem about 2–3cm above the fruit using a
sharp knife or pair of secateurs. Avoid the
temptation to pull fruit from the vine because
you can damage the plant.
Oversized zucchini can be tough but still
good for stuffing and baking. The best time to
pick zucchini blossoms is when they have just
started to open. Just bear in mind, if you pick
the flowers, you won’t get the fruit.
... they are surprisingly
versatile in t he kitchen,
used to make everything
from classic zucchini
bread to muffins, pastas
and frittatas — even
sweet zucchini cake.
Moist, delicious zucchini bread
Zucchini label
Common name: Zucchini, courgette
Botanical name: Cucurbita pepo
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Aspect and soil: Sun to light
afternoon shade (warm climates
only); well-drained soil
Best climate: All
Habit: Annual vegetable, 100cm high
and wide
Propagation: Sow seed or plant
seedlings in spring and summer
Difficulty: Easy
Zoodles are the perfect
virtually carb-free ‘pasta’
Good Organic Gardening | 27