| The Zucchini plant is actually a squash the same | | | | among some people to wait until the zucchini gets |
| as the pumpkin is. It is perhaps the best producer | | | | very large and then they pick it but these |
| you could place in your garden. You need only | | | | samples are tougher and its skin will then be |
| plant a couple of plants and you will be blessed | | | | peeled. A zucchini plant is not very hardy. It easily |
| with enough zucchini for not only your family but | | | | dies from the spring and fall frost. |
| the neighbors also. | | | | Just about any cook book that you pick up will |
| As we have mentioned the zucchini plant is a | | | | contain hundreds of recipes for various zucchini |
| squash and like any other squash its skin is soft | | | | dishes. We would like to include one here that is |
| with a short shelf life. It has a fast growth rate of | | | | not so common. It is called Zucchini Marmalade. |
| about 55 days. | | | | We hope you and your family enjoys it. |
| Growing your garden zucchini is fairly easy and | | | | 2 lbs of zucchinithe juice of two lemons |
| trouble free. You will want to plant your zucchini in | | | | 1 teaspoon of grate lemon zest |
| rows placing the seed about one inch below the | | | | 1 - 13 ounce can of drained crushed pineapple |
| surface of the soil. Plant 4 or 5 seeds per hill and | | | | 1 package of powdered pectin |
| upon germinating select the best two plants to | | | | 5 cups of sugar |
| keep. Water your seeds the 1st day and then | | | | 3 tablespoons of minced, candied ginger |
| every 3rd day until you see them germinate. | | | | 6 each 1/2 pint canning jars |
| Zucchini will grow in most home soils although it | | | | Have your six canning jars sterilized and washed |
| prefers a well drained garden soil best. If you | | | | ahead of time and ready for use. Wash your |
| really need to add fertilizer to your zucchini do so | | | | zucchini and slice and peel it well. In a kettle |
| by side dressing your plants. | | | | combine the lemon juice, the lemon zest and the |
| Like other members of the squash family the | | | | drained pineapple together. Bring this mixture to a |
| Cucumber Beetle is its most dreaded pest. A | | | | quick boil and then immediately lower your heat |
| Cucumber Beetle can be spotted or striped. The | | | | to simmer. Now cook for an additional 15 minutes. |
| insect feeds upon the leaves of squash plants and | | | | Uncover the food and stir it occasionally. |
| it can easily spread diseases amongst the various | | | | Mix in the pectin and once again bring it to a boil. |
| plants. Another threat to the squash family is the | | | | Add the sugar and ginger while continuing to boil |
| Vine borers. You can actually consider the Squash | | | | for another minute remembering to stir it all the |
| Vine Borer as the most predominant enemy of | | | | time. |
| the squash family. They tend to bore into the | | | | Remove the kettle from the heat and skim off |
| plants vine eventually chewing through the vine | | | | the foam which tends to rise to the surface. |
| and resulting ultimately in the death of the plant. | | | | Allow this mixture to cool for 10 minutes and then |
| Common insecticides can control the cucumber | | | | ladle into your hot sterile jars. Seal according to |
| beetles while the Squash Vine borers need | | | | the manufacturer's instructions. Lastly, process |
| something a bit stronger. | | | | the jars for 10 minutes in your boiling water bath |
| When it is time to harvest your zucchini select | | | | canner. Make certain to adjust your boiling time |
| the youngest ones that are no longer then 6 | | | | according to your altitude. |
| inches as they will be the tenderest. It is common | | | | |