Zucchini are warm weather crops. They need full sun and rich, deep, well-drained soil with a pH of (5.5 to 6.5). Before planting, work in plenty of compost. Direct sow seeds outdoors in late May to mid-June, to a depth of 2.5 cm (1 in) in hills spaced 2.4 m (8 ft) apart with 4 to 6 seeds per hill . After germination, thin to 3 plants per hill. Seeds can be started indoors 3 weeks before the last frost.
