Why Zucchini?
Well, it is a great main source for Vitamin A, which strengthens your immunity and vision, especially when cooked. The squash has a variety of other essential minerals such as Vitamin C and Manganese that make it an immune system booster. It is also a good source of Potassium, which plays an important part in the body’s crucial functions. On top of this, the fiber and water content of zucchini will go towards a cleaner, smoother digestive process. We all know our gut health plays a huge role in the functionality of the rest of our body.
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Zucchini has a versatile taste. Every above-ground part of the squash plant is edible: the fruit, flowers, tendrils, and leaves. Any hard, overgrown fruits can still be used in zucchini bread or to feed to your dog! There is no end to the types of recipes you can make with this ample squash.
It’s also terribly easy to grow your own zucchini! Zucchini is one of the easiest vegetables to grow and is great for beginner gardeners. Plus, you can grow zucchini any time of year indoors if you have a good amount of space. Zucchini is a summer squash, so the more sunlight and warmth, the better. It needs to be protected from the cold.
Zucchini grows super fast. You’ll have an edible harvest within two months. An old joke the country people will tell is that by the end of the summer, the average gardener will have so much zucchini that they’ll sneak it into every meal, and your belongings if you’re unfortunate enough to visit them, so as not to waste it!
DIY Indoor Zucchini Garden
Container
You’ll want a pot approximately 24 inches (60 cm) across and 36 inches (91 cm) deep. Make sure it has a drainage hole.
Soil
Use high-quality soil and lots of compost for nutrition. In fact, you can grow zucchini straight out of compost. One of my favorite ways to add compost to a plant is to brew compost tea by letting a pack steep in water overnight or putting the pack in the soil as a root feeder. Continue replenishing nutrients with compost twice a month after the plant begins to flower. Hot tip: Avoid squash bugs by not planting with mulch!
Hot tip #2:
Treat soil with mycorrizhae and fungicide to defend against mildew.
Seeds
Get a bush variety, which are smaller than the vines. Plant seeds 3 inches deep, and with plenty of space between to avoid mildew.
Watering
Water at the base of the plant when the soil feels slightly dry to the touch.
Pollination
Zucchini produces two kinds of flowers. The first flowers to bloom will have a bare stem. The second set of flowers that bloom are attached to the actual squash. To get mature fruit, you’ll need to use a cotton swab to gather pollen from the first flowers and dab it onto the stigma at the center of the squash-growing flowers in the mornings.
Recipes
One of my favorite ways to enjoy zucchini is simply chopped into bite-size, drizzled with oil, salt, and pepper, and baked. Eat it by itself or throw it on a burger! However, if you’re looking for a little more adventure…
Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Very simple but very addictive. This is the way to make anyone love zucchini.
Stuffed Squash Blossoms
You can make all kinds of delicious recipes with the first set of flowers that bloom on your beautiful plants! This recipe is simple yet sophisticated, has vegan options built into the recipe, and turns out absolutely stunning.
Tempeh Bacon Zucchini Casserole
Casseroles are amazing because they practically throw themselves together, and they provide such a comforting, full feeling. This recipe is salty, creamy, and juicy – a fave in our house!
Banana Zucchini Bread
This sweet recipe comes with vegan, paleo, and gluten-free alternatives. Also, chuck in some chocolate chips or your favorite nuts!
Gel Derossi
Gel is a fervent writer whose personal work focuses on lifting up the experiences of marginalized folks, including transgender and gender-nonconforming people; Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and other POC; people living with diverse mental & physical conditions; and people whose lack of representation has created a struggle to be understood. Gel currently studies creative writing at Towson University & spends a lot of their time daydreaming. Working for Sass, a publication that strives to inspire & meet all womxn where they are in life, is one of those daydreams come true!
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