Courgettes (zucchini) are one of the easiest and most productive vegetables to grow in Irish gardens. With minimal fuss, they produce abundant summer harvests that are perfect for roasting, stir-fries, salads, and even baking. This guide covers everything from sowing seeds to harvesting in Ireland’s cooler, maritime climate.
1. Choosing the Right Variety
Some courgette varieties do better than others in Ireland’s shorter, cooler summers. Consider early, productive, and disease-resistant types:
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Courgette Blanche de Virginie – A cream‑to‑pale green bush variety with tender, sweet flesh. It’s highly productive and versatile in the kitchen, great both young and mature..
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Bianca Di Trieste Courgette – An early Italian heirloom that produces short, smooth pale fruits with excellent flavour for roasting, stews, gratins and more..
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Romanesco Courgette – Italian heirloom variety, slightly ribbed, full of flavour.
Sourcing seeds from Irish suppliers ensures the varieties are suited to local conditions.
2. When to Sow Courgette Seeds
Courgettes are warm-season crops, sensitive to frost:
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Indoors: Sow seeds late April to early May in seed trays or small pots with light compost.
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Temperature: Keep soil warm, around 18–22°C.
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Germination: Seeds usually sprout in 7–10 days.
Starting seeds indoors gives plants a head start before Ireland’s unpredictable summer weather.
3. Preparing Your Garden Beds
Courgettes are vigorous plants that need space, rich soil, and good sunlight:
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Soil: Light, well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure.
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Spacing: For bush varieties, leave 45–60 cm between plants; for vining types, allow 90–120 cm.
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Sunlight: Choose a sunny, sheltered site protected from wind.
Raised beds or mounds help improve drainage in Ireland’s damp soil.
4. Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors
Once the risk of frost has passed (usually late May to early June):
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Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for 7–10 days.
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Plant carefully, preserving the root ball.
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Water thoroughly and mulch around the base to conserve moisture.
5. Caring for Courgettes
Courgettes are heavy feeders and need consistent care:
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Watering: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged; water at the base to prevent mildew.
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Feeding: Use an organic fertiliser or seaweed feed every 2–3 weeks once plants start flowering.
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Pollination: Courgettes have male and female flowers. Encourage bees or hand-pollinate to ensure fruit set.
6. Pests and Diseases
Common challenges in Ireland include:
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Powdery mildew: Remove affected leaves, improve airflow, avoid overhead watering.
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Slugs and snails: Protect seedlings with crushed eggshells, copper tape, or organic barriers.
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Aphids: Encourage natural predators like ladybirds or use organic sprays.
7. Harvesting Courgettes
For best taste and continual production:
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Harvest when fruits are 15–20 cm long, while the skin is still tender.
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Pick regularly — leaving fruits too long can slow down further production.
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Use fresh in cooking, or freeze/cook for later use.
Tip: Early morning harvesting gives the freshest, firmest courgettes.
8. Tips for a Successful Irish Courgette Crop
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Mulch and warm soil: Helps retain moisture and protect roots from cool temperatures.
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Companion planting: Nasturtiums or marigolds deter pests and attract pollinators.
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Succession sowing: Sow every 2–3 weeks for a longer harvest season.
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Polytunnel or cloche: Protects against cool spells and early rain.
Courgettes are highly rewarding for Irish gardeners, producing abundant summer vegetables with minimal effort. By choosing the right varieties, giving them a sunny, sheltered spot, and harvesting regularly, you can enjoy fresh courgettes from mid-summer right into early autumn.