Courgette zaaien in eigen tuin

Published on 20 July 2023 at 20:10

From Seed to Juicy Harvest

In my gardening adventure, I started growing zucchinis, my favorite plants, as they thrive so well from tiny seeds ;)

I sowed the zucchini seeds indoors on the windowsill, and soon they sprouted and grew like crazy, or rather, like zucchinis.

By the end of April, it was time to move them outside into a pallet-made planter. I sowed 6 seeds, and 5 little plants found their home in the planter.

Now, two months later, the zucchini plants are covered in male flowers, easily recognized by their slender stems. But it's the yellow female flowers we're eagerly awaiting, as these will give birth to the zucchinis.

You can clearly see the difference in the photos: the male flowers lack the ovary, while the female flowers have a small zucchini-like bulb at their base.

Male

Female

Female + Zucchini

This week 

After a few days 

Once the flowers are pollinated, the zucchini plant starts growing rapidly. Some zucchinis can grow several centimeters a day! It's important to water them well, as they need a lot of moisture to grow at such a pace.

Although I'm currently in a climate with lovely weather, I understand it might be a bit different in the Netherlands. But don't let that discourage you—zucchinis can thrive in slightly cooler climates too. With some love, attention, and perhaps a bit of protection from the cold, you can also enjoy delicious homegrown zucchinis in the Netherlands.

So, if you have a spot in your garden or a container on your balcony, give it a try! Grow your own zucchinis and experience the satisfaction of watching these beautiful vegetables grow from seed to juicy harvest.**

Zucchini plants do need a good amount of space per plant to grow optimally. As the fruits get larger, the plant might sometimes bend under their weight. A handy tip is to provide support by tying them up. It's best to do this before the plant becomes too heavy and the fruits start growing.

Placing a sturdy stake beside the zucchini plant before moving it outdoors can be a great solution to support the plant. Be sure to do this gently, to avoid damaging the roots and the plant. This way, you give the zucchini plant the support it needs to stay upright and thrive better.

In my enthusiasm, I sowed my zucchini plants a bit too close together, not giving them enough space to fully mature. So, when you're sowing them, keep in mind to leave enough distance between the plants, so they can develop fully without hindering each other.

With a bit of attention and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious zucchinis, ready to be used in tasty dishes. So, give them the space they deserve, support them when needed, and savor your own crispy zucchinis from your own garden!

Create Delicious Zucchini Soup from Your Own Harvest!

Courgette Soup Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 2 medium courgettes, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 potato, peeled and diced
- 1 liter vegetable broth
- 1 cup of milk (optional, for a creamy texture)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

 

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they're translucent and fragrant.

2. Add the diced courgettes and potato to the pot. Sauté for a few more minutes, allowing the vegetables to slightly soften.

3. Pour in the vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook until the vegetables are tender.

4. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it's smooth and creamy. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, but make sure to let it cool slightly before blending.

5. If you prefer a creamy texture, add the cup of milk to the soup and stir well. Let it simmer for a few more minutes.

6. Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste. Remember that you can always adjust the seasoning later.

7. Once the soup is ready, ladle it into serving bowls. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.

8. Serve the delicious courgette soup hot and enjoy its comforting flavors!

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables or herbs that you like. Enjoy your homemade courgette soup as a hearty and healthy meal!

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