Courgette - Cucurbita pepo

Courgette, also sometimes referred to as zucchini, should be sown in pots indoors in April, planting two seeds per 75cm (3in) pot. Push the seeds into the compost on their edge to reduce the chance of them rotting. You shouldn't need more than 3-4 plants, even for a large family.

Place them on a warm windowsill or in a propagator as they need gentle heat to germinate. Remove the weaker seedling after they have produced the first pair of true leaves.

In early May, when the soil has started to warm up, transplant outside where they are to grow, spacing them 60-90cm (2-3ft) apart so they have a chance to spread out.

The end of May is the ideal time to direct-sow seed outside. Keep plants well-watered, try not to get the developing courgettes wet, as this can increase the chance of them rotting on the plant.

They like warm, moist, organically rich soil in a sunny position.

Start harvesting courgettes from mid-June, when they are still small, to encourage further production. If you miss collecting any, they will grow into marrows, which can still be harvested and eaten.

Culinary use:

Courgettes have a high water content so they don't freeze very well. If you have a glut of them, make ribbons with a peeler or spiralising them into salads, stir fries, homemade burgers, lasagne or grate them and add to a cake mixture...

Cultivars and varieties: