As a summer season vegetable, zucchini is easily injured by frost and freezes. That means zucchini seeds should be planted in the spring, in loamy, well-drained soil, about one to one a half inches deep in beds 36 to 48 inches wide. Zucchini thrives just about anywhere in the U.S., as long as it’s planted in the warmer months to mature about 60 days after seeding. Ideal soil temperature conditions hover at about 68 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Like all squash, zucchini has both male and female blooms, so bees are needed for pollination. When preparing for harvest, the zucchini should be checked daily as the plant grows extremely quickly in the heat. Harvesting typically occurs when the zucchini is still young, at about six to eight inches in length and two a half inches in diameter. Some larger varieties may also be edible. There are as many as 20 varieties; the most widely available are “Black Beauty” and “Raven.”

“Gold Rush” is a yellow skinned zucchini.

Nardozzi suggests storing fresh zucchini in the refrigerator, for no more than a week. After that, this delicate veggie starts to deteriorate. For longer shelf life, choose zucchini that are nicely colored, firm and shiny. Smaller zucchini tend to be tender; larger zucchini may have fewer seeds.

Composed of almost 95% water, one serving of zucchini (about 3.5 ounces) contains 20 calories, no fat, one gram of fiber and no sodium. Zucchini is also a good source of vitamins C and A, folate and beta-carotene.

"Just don't plant too many zucchini plants or your friends and neighbors will grow tired of the free ‘gifts’ from your garden. You'll be begging for people to take them away," says Nardozzi.