Zucchini are part of the gourd family. They are native to Central America and Mexico. Zucchini are grown throughout the United States during the warm, frost free season.

Most zucchini grow about the size of a small bush, so plant zucchini anytime after the danger of frost has passed.

Be sure to check the frost free date in your area.

Sow two or three zucchini seeds 24 to 36 inches apart in rows or plant four or five in hills 48 inches apart. When the plants are two to three inches tall, thin to one healthy plant in the row about 2 to 2 1/2 feet apart and no more than two to three plants in each hill.

Make sure zucchini have well drained soil. Water deeply. They need about one inch of water per week.

Zucchini grow quickly to the size of a small bush, and they are very productive. Check the plants daily. If you don't check your zucchini often, you will find zucchini as big as a baseball bat. Zucchini that are too big become hard and seedy. The best size for zucchini is six to 8 inches long and 2 inches or less in diameter. Zucchini can grow from seed to harvest in 50 to 60 days.