In my experience as a gardening and landscaping expert, I highly recommend planting zucchini in hills rather than rows. While rows may seem like a more organized and traditional approach, hilling offers several benefits that can greatly improve the success of your zucchini plants.
One advantage of planting zucchini in hills is that the soil in hills warms up more quickly in the early season. This is especially important if you want to sow your zucchini seeds as soon as possible after the last chance of frost. The warm soil helps to promote faster germination and growth, giving your zucchini plants a head start.
Another benefit of hilling is improved drainage. Zucchini plants prefer well-drained soil and are susceptible to root rot if they sit in waterlogged conditions. By creating hills, excess water can easily drain away, preventing water from pooling around the plants and potentially causing damage. This is particularly advantageous in areas with heavy rainfall or clay soils that tend to hold water.
I have personally seen the positive effects of hilling when growing zucchini in my own garden. In the past, when I planted zucchini in rows, I noticed that the plants struggled with waterlogged soil during periods of heavy rain. This led to stunted growth and a higher risk of disease. However, since switching to hilling, I have seen healthier and more productive zucchini plants, even during wet weather conditions.
To create hills for planting zucchini, start by loosening the soil in a small circular area, about 2-3 feet in diameter. Gather the loosened soil into a mound or hill, approximately 6-8 inches high. You can also incorporate organic matter, such as compost, into the soil to improve fertility. Plant your zucchini seeds or seedlings at the top of the hill, spacing them according to the recommended planting distance.
While there is no hard and fast rule for planting zucchini, I highly recommend using hills rather than rows. The benefits of hilling, such as quicker soil warming and improved drainage, can greatly enhance the success of your zucchini plants. Give it a try in your own garden and see the difference it can make!
