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Type of Fertilizer for Growing Zucchini
Type of Fertilizer for Growing Zucchini. Zucchini is technically considered a fruit, according to the University of Illinois Extension. Gardeners have been growing this summer squash since the 1920s. While zucchini can be grown in the home garden, it must have proper care to produce healthy growth and produce. Fertilizer contributes the nutrients...
Zucchini is technically considered a fruit, according to the University of Illinois Extension. Gardeners have been growing this summer squash since the 1920s. While zucchini can be grown in the home garden, it must have proper care to produce healthy growth and produce. Fertilizer contributes the nutrients that zucchini needs to give you an abundant harvest and provide the plant enough strength to ward off pests.
Planting Fertilizer
Apply a balanced fertilizer at the time of planting to prevent the zucchini seeds or transplants from burning up from excessive amounts of nitrogen. Use a fertilizer that has a NPK amount of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10, as recommended by North Carolina State University. NPK refers to the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium found in the fertilizer bag. You can check the bag's label to find out how much of each nutrient is found in the fertilizer.
How to Apply
Apply half of the recommended amount over the area and till the fertilizer into the first 3 to 4 inches of topsoil. The other half of the fertilizer should be applied just below seed level in the furrows of the garden. The furrows are the raised dirt areas between rows. This practice is referred to as banding. Typically, gardeners will apply 20 to 30 lbs. of fertilizer at the time of planting per 1,000 square feet, according to North Carolina State University.
Sidedressing
Sidedressing fertilizer means that you apply the nutrients 4 to 6 inches away from the plant on both sides of the vegetable rows, according to North Carolina State University. Gardeners sidedress their zucchini plants after the seedlings have emerged to provide additional nutrients. You can use a fertilizer such as 2 cups of 16 percent sodium nitrate, 3 to 4 cups of 8-8-8 complete fertilizer or 1 cup of 33 percent ammonium nitrate. Use one of the suggested fertilizers, but not more than one.
Container-Grown Zucchini Fertilizer
Feed container-grown zucchini once a week with water-soluble fertilizer, as recommended by the Ohio State University Extension. A water-soluble fertilizer can be diluted and applied or hooked up to your garden hose. Use a fertilizer that has a NPK of 20-20-20 or 15-30-15. Avoid applying a fertilizer to your container-grown zucchini without watering it in. The salts found in the nitrogen will burn up the zucchini plant.
