I remember when I first started gardening, I was excited to see what I could grow in my own backyard. However, I made a rookie mistake – I chose to grow cauliflower because it’s my favorite veggie, but little did I know that it’s one of the toughest to grow (and my cauliflower, you guessed it, didn’t make it that season).
Still, I didn’t let one silly mistake discourage me from gardening altogether. I decided to try again, but this time, with beginner-friendly veggies. And let me tell you, I was HOOKED on gardening after that.
It doesn’t happen overnight, but to say that it is impossible is just not true. I mean, look at my garden now – filled with thriving cauliflowers!
One way to do it is to kick things off by cultivating different summer squash varieties. They are abundant, flavorful, and super easy to grow!
Growing Summer Squash Is Like A Breeze On A Sunny Day
Zucchini, pattypan squash, yellow squash, and many more varieties are some of the easiest veggies you can grow in the garden. They don’t take much space, adapt easily to different conditions, and yield yummy crops.
And, with timing, all things fall into place.
The soil temperature should be at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit, so wait to plant your zucchini and other types of summer squash after the danger of frost has passed.
They grow well when directly sown in the soil instead of being transplanted (I had to deal with transplant shock, so unfortunately I learned that the hard way).
They’re quick growers too, ready to harvest in just under 55 days (unlike winter squash, which needs over 100 days). So, these summer varieties are perfect for those with shorter growing seasons.
All you have to do is:
• Find a sunny spot for your veggies
• Plant them in a well-draining soil
• Consistently water them (drip irrigation system works the best!)
• Add mulch to prevent pesky weeds and retain moisture
• Lightly fertilize with nitrogen fertilizer once a month
Trust me, your veggies will thank you with a bountiful harvest!
Related: Ground-Up Garden: 8 Easy-To-Grow Fruits And Veggies That Are Perfect For Beginners
Picking And Sharing Your Summer Squash Is Like Spreading Happiness With Each Tasty Slice
Summer squash is quite a self-sufficient plant, as it produces both male and female flowers on the same vine. That means you don’t necessarily need multiple plants to enjoy a plentiful harvest.
Bees and other pollinators take care of transferring pollen from the male to the female flowers, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can hand pollinate them with a cotton swab (I don’t do it because bees are constantly buzzing around my plants, but if you live in a region with low pollinator population, you should definitely go for it!).
Pick your zucchini and other squash varieties while they’re still young and tender, usually around 6 inches long. Harvesting them when they are fully ripe ensures the best flavor and texture for your dishes later on!
So if this is your first time growing veggies, don’t worry too much. Start small, be patient, and let nature do its thing.
Growing beginner-friendly vegetables like summer squashes and zucchini is the perfect way to start your gardening journey. As you gain confidence and experience, you can explore growing other varieties, too.
Happy gardening!
If this is also your first time growing houseplants, this might be useful: A List Of 30 Mesmerizing & Beginner-friendly Hoya Varieties