How to grow Courgette in the UK
Cucurbita pepo
Courgette (Cucurbita pepo) is a vegetable that grows well in UK gardens. One plant feeds a household. Pick small and often — marrows develop in days. This guide covers when and how to sow Courgette, the soil and position it likes, watering and feeding, companion planting, and when to harvest.
When to sow & grow Courgette
Sowing and harvest window through the year (UK):
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr Sow | May | Jun Plant | Jul Harvest | Aug Harvest | Sep Harvest | Oct Harvest | Nov | Dec |
Soil, position & care
- Soil
- Fertile, free-draining soil enriched with garden compost
- Soil pH
- 6.5–7.0 (neutral)
- Position
- Open, sunny site
- Sowing depth
- 2 cm on edge
- Spacing
- 90 cm apart
- Sowing
- Sow indoors Apr–May; plant out after frost
- Growing
- Very hungry and thirsty — water at the base, feed fortnightly
- Harvest & upkeep
- Pick every few days at 10–15 cm or plants stop cropping
- Watch for
- Slugs on seedlings, powdery mildew
Companion planting for Courgette
Grows well with:
Keep apart from:
Add Courgette to your free 12-month plan and get watering & sowing reminders — no sign-up needed.
Courgette FAQs
When should I sow Courgette in the UK?
In the UK, sow Courgette in April. Sowing across these months gives the plant the right soil temperature and day length to establish well.
What grows well with Courgette?
Courgette grows well alongside Borage, Dwarf French Bean, French Marigold, Pot Marigold, Nasturtium, Runner Bean. Good companions can deter pests, attract pollinators or make better use of space.
What should you not plant near Courgette?
Keep Courgette away from Potato, which can compete with it or share pests and diseases.
How much sun does Courgette need?
Courgette prefers full sun (6+ hrs direct).
When is Courgette ready to harvest?
Courgette is typically ready to harvest in July, August, September, October in the UK.
Is Courgette easy to grow?
Easy — good for beginners. One plant feeds a household. Pick small and often — marrows develop in days.