Zucchinis are a type of pumpkin that require a lot of nutrients. This is why many gardeners 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 in the compost?
Can you plant zucchini in the compost?
Planting zucchini in compost has advantages and disadvantages: The roots aerate the compost and the leaves shade it, but they also remove nutrients. Make sure there is enough sun for optimal growth and a second plant for pollination.
Planting zucchini in the compost – advantages and disadvantages
As a heavy eater, zucchini needs a lot of nutrients. It is therefore preferably grown with a lot of compost. So why not plant the zucchini in the compost heap straight away?
Whether zucchinis thrive in the compost heap depends on the location of the compost and whether other zucchini plants are present for pollination to work.
Some gardeners advise against putting the zucchini directly on the compost heap because the plant deprives it of too many valuable nutrients.
- Leaves shade the compost
- Roots provide ventilation
- Roots extract nutrients
- Plant beautifies the compost
Aerate roots, shade leaves
A big advantage of growing zucchinis in compost is that the roots dig deep into the material and thereby aerate the compost. In addition, the large leaves shade the compost pile so that it does not dry out as quickly.
The plant does remove 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 lushly flowering zucchini plant is a very pretty sight that brightens up any compost heap.
Zucchini needs a lot of sun
In order for zucchini to thrive and produce lots of fruit, it needs a lot of sun. If the compost is too shady, only leaves and very few flowers and later fruits will develop.
You will also need to grow at least a second plant nearby so that the flowers can be fertilized. Alternatively, you can also do the pollination with a brush (€10.00 on Amazon).
The top layer of the compost heap should consist of mature compost, for example after you have dug up the compost.
Tip
Other types of pumpkin and cucumbers are also well suited for planting in a compost heap. In the past, these vegetables were often planted on the compost heap or right next to it. This made fertilizing these plants unnecessary.
