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Growing Zucchini in Russia: A Comprehensive Guide
Fancy some early summer zucchinis? No worries! You can start planting in May itself. The key is to ensure the soil has warmed up to +12 degrees Celsius or more. After that, it's all about the tech! Success boils down to three elements: fantastic seeds, perfectly matched variety, and the perfect location.
Planting Time
- Southern Russia - kick off planting from early May.
- Central Russia - begin from mid-May.
- North and Siberia - aim for closer to June.
Always trust the soil temperature, not the calendar. If the ground is still freezing, seeds will rot, and sprouts will be puny.
Preparation
Seeds
- Go for the biggest, densest seeds.
- Disinfect them (usutilize permanganate or "Phitosporin").
- Soak them in a growth stimulator ("Epin", "Circum").
Bed
- Opt for a sunny area with loose, fertile soil.
- Green manure or onions make great predecessors. Stick clear of pumpkins, cucumbers, and pattypans (relatives) as they can cause issues.
Best Varieties
- For rapidly harvesting - Iskander F1, Tsukesha (mature in 40-45 days).
- Suitable for small plots - Aeronaut, Belogor F1 (compact, non-sprawling).
- Ideal for culinary adventures - Zolotinka (yellow), Negritenok (dark), spaghetti squash.
- Resilient against diseases - hybrids with F1 designation.
Planting
Method 1 - Direct Sowing:
Simple, but yields a later harvest.
Method 2 - Through Seedlings:
Prepare 3-4 weeks ahead, harvest 2-3 weeks earlier.
Planting Distance:Between plants - 70 cmFor vine varieties - up to 1 meter
Post-Planting Care:
- Mulch: Utilize wood chips, grass, or straw as mulch. If it gets cold, cover with agrovoločno.
- Watering: Use warm water and ensure it's only applied under the roots.
- Loosening: Loosen the soil after each rain.
- Fertilizing: Opt for ash, superphosphate, and minimal nitrogen.
- Ventilation: Don't cram plants together. Remove old leaves to allow proper ventilation.
Pest Protection
- Slugs: Set up beer traps or use "Groz" preparation.
- Aphids: Whip up a soap solution or employ "Fitoverm."
Avoid planting zucchinis in the same spot two years in a row. This can increase the risk of diseases, as reported by various sources. Happy growing, folks!
Lifestyle: If you're planning a home-and-garden project and are considering growing zucchini in your garden, gardening is a great hobby to take on for the summer season.
Home-and-Garden: To create the perfect home-and-garden area for zucchinis, prepare a sunny, loose, and fertile bed in your garden. Opt for a variety that suits the size of your plot, such as Aeronaut for small plots, and consider using a growth stimulator to improve seed germination.
