How to Grow Zucchini, and Why Yours Isn't Fruiting

Spacing, pollination and picking size, plus the male-and-female flower problem behind most fruitless plants.

The steps

1. Give It Space. One plant fills a square metre. Crowding brings mildew.
2. Wait for Warmth. Cold soil rots the seed. Sow after the last frost.
3. Rich Soil. Dig in plenty of compost. They are hungry plants.
4. Water at the Base. Wet leaves grow mildew. Water in the morning.
5. Know the Flowers. Male flowers sit on stems. Female ones have a tiny fruit.
6. Hand-Pollinate. Brush pollen into the female. Do it in the morning.
7. Pick Small. Best at finger to hand length. Marrows stop the plant.
8. Pick Every Other Day. Missed fruit slows production. Keep the plant cropping.

Pro tip. Early flowers are nearly all male, so nothing sets and it looks like failure. Wait a week or two for the female flowers, the ones with a tiny fruit behind the bloom, before worrying.