- Planting zucchini on the compost - pros and cons
- Aerate roots, shade leaves
- Zucchini needs a lot of sun
Zucchinis are a type of pumpkin that requires a lot of nutrients. Many gardeners therefore plant zucchini directly on the compost heap. This has advantages, but also disadvantages. What do you have to consider if you want to plant zucchini on the compost?
Zucchinis bear many large fruits on the compost
Planting zucchini on the compost - pros and cons
As a heavy feeder, zucchini needs a lot of nutrients. It is therefore preferably grown with a lot of compost. So why not plant the courgettes on the compost heap right away?
Whether zucchini will thrive on the compost pile depends on the location of the compost and whether other zucchini plants are present for pollination to work.
Some gardeners advise against placing the zucchini directly on the compost heap, as the plant deprives it of too many valuable nutrients.
- Leaves shade the compost
- Roots provide ventilation
- Roots absorb nutrients
- Plant beautifies the compost
Aerate roots, shade leaves
A major benefit of zucchini on the compost is that the roots dig deep into the material, thereby aerating the compost. In addition, the large leaves shade the compost pile so that it does not dry out as quickly.
The plant extracts some nutrients from the compost, but this is not so serious that you have to refrain from planting the compost. The humus later contains enough substances to fertilize other plants in the garden.
Last but not least, a lush flowering zucchini plant is a very pretty sight that will enhance any compost heap.
Zucchini needs a lot of sun
In order for zucchini to thrive and set many fruits, it needs a lot of sun. If the compost is too shady, only leaves and very few flowers and later fruit will develop.
You'll also need to grow at least a second plant nearby so the flowers can be fertilized. Alternatively, you can pollinate with a brush.
The top layer of the compost heap should be mature compost, for example after you have turned over the compost.
tips
Other types of pumpkins and cucumbers are also well suited to planting a compost. In the past, these types of vegetables were very often planted on top of the compost or right next to it. This made it unnecessary to fertilize these plants.