The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Growing => Vegetables => Topic started by: Lizmar on July 04, 2009, 09:56:41 am

Title: courgettes
Post by: Lizmar on July 04, 2009, 09:56:41 am

Hi I have just started growing courgettes and all is well, other than they are mad courgettes.  I'm a bit OCD and like my veg to grow in straight lines and be very organised (been known to pull anything up that disobeys!) Please tell me I have some rogue courgettes - they are going mad! The leaves are the size of rhubab leaves and they have taken over half a plot.  I did something I don't do and transplanted half to another plot to thin them out - they didn't like it but they have taken.  Please tell me, is this normal, do I have to tie them up, do I remove any leaves to let the sun get to the flowers and finally, have I done it all wrong ??? :o

Title: Re: courgettes
Post by: MrRee on July 04, 2009, 10:45:53 am

Sounds like you've got it right. Mine grow to a diameter of about 6 foot,leaves like rhubarb and about 30 courgettes per plant. I only cut the lower leaves off that are touching the ground,they seem to harbour white/carrot flies and rot quite quickly.
 When you get sick of courgettes you could harvest the flowers,dip in tempura batter and deep fry for a few minutes or I think there's something in the recipe section called Courgetti Spaghetti!!! ......Ree

Title: Re: courgettes
Post by: northfifeduckling on July 06, 2009, 07:55:51 pm

You are so lucky, I'm all jealous now, Lizmar! Mine have been miserable from the word go this year, leaves no bigger than a hand, don't know what's so different from previous years when they thrived. If you have too many, you can always make a sweet pickle and use courgettes instead of cucumbers, it's lovely! :&>

Title: Re: courgettes
Post by: Eagledance on July 06, 2009, 08:41:42 pm

We are right in the middle of courgette glut!! ;D

Title: Re: courgettes
Post by: Rosemary on July 06, 2009, 09:18:55 pm

Ours is just starting. We might try courgette and brie soup this year. It was a staple user of courgettes maybe three seasons ago but we well sickened ourselves and only now feel brave enough to make it again.

Title: Re: courgettes
Post by: northfifeduckling on July 06, 2009, 10:21:58 pm

Eagledance, are you ever coming North (fife) and we could swap some of your courgettes for some other produce, lol? I so miss them and do resent having to buy them at this time of the year! :&>

Title: Re: courgettes
Post by: Eagledance on July 07, 2009, 08:42:38 am

Where are you (PM me?) and i could be arranged (as am a teechur on an extraordinarlity long holiday! LOL!)

Title: Re: courgettes
Post by: MrsJ on July 27, 2009, 03:11:12 pm

We are about to be inundated with courgettes and if anyone else is, they might like this book.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Will-All-Those-Courgettes/dp/0952488159/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248703815&sr=8-1&tag=theaccidsma00-21 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Will-All-Those-Courgettes/dp/0952488159/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248703815&sr=8-1)

Title: Re: courgettes
Post by: northfifeduckling on July 27, 2009, 10:35:04 pm

mine are still miserable! I used to have a great crop all the last years but this year :'(..small leaves and no fruit. My Hokaido pumpkin is coming on well, though, first fruit showing  :) :&>

Title: Re: courgettes
Post by: sabrina on July 28, 2009, 11:25:41 am

We have been eating ours now for a couple of weeks.  :)