How to grow zucchinis with fewer pests and more produce

February 13, 2025

Say Goodbye to Pests and Hello to a Bumper Crop of Zucchinis

Zucchinis are the superheroes of the veggie patch—fast-growing, easy to care for, and incredibly generous with their produce. But just like any garden favourite, they can attract their fair share of unwanted visitors. If you’ve ever had your zucchinis nibbled on or stunted by pests, you know the frustration all too well.

Let’s set you up with the right know-how so you can enjoy your zucchinis without the drama of battling pests every time you step into the garden.

Pick the Right Spot for Happy, Healthy Plants

Healthy plants are natural pest deterrents. Zucchinis thrive in full sun with well-draining soil, rich in organic matter. Good airflow is key—tight, overcrowded plantings create a humid haven for fungal diseases and sap-sucking pests. Space them out, give them room to breathe, and you’ll avoid half the trouble.

Companion Planting: The Secret to Fewer Pests

Think of companion planting as building a protective circle of friends for your zucchinis. Some plants naturally repel bugs, while others attract helpful insects that keep the nasties in check.

Marigolds: Their scent masks the smell of zucchinis, confusing hungry critters.
Nasturtiums: Aphids and whiteflies love these more than zucchinis—so they’ll act as a pest magnet, keeping your crop safe.
Herbs like basil and thyme: Strong-smelling herbs deter pests like aphids and whiteflies.

Pop these around your zucchinis, and you’ll naturally reduce pest numbers.

Pest-Prevention Starts with Soil Health

Strong plants start with healthy soil. A well-fed zucchini plant will fight off pests and diseases much better than a struggling one. Work compost and manure into your soil before planting to give them a strong foundation.

Mulching is also a game-changer. A thick layer of straw or sugar cane mulch locks in moisture, reduces weed competition, and stops soil-dwelling pests like vine borers from reaching your plants.

Watch Out for These Common Pests

Zucchinis don’t have many enemies, but the few they do have can wreak havoc.

Aphids: Tiny sap-suckers that cause distorted, struggling leaves. Blast them off with a sharp jet of water or introduce ladybugs to handle the problem for you.
Powdery Mildew: That white, powdery dust on leaves can weaken plants over time. Avoid overhead watering and prune off affected leaves.
Squash Vine Borers: These little grubs tunnel into stems, causing plants to collapse. If you see wilting, check the base of your plant and remove any hidden larvae.

Natural Remedies for a Pest-Free Patch

There’s no need to reach for heavy-duty sprays when there are simple, natural fixes at hand.

Neem Oil: A gentle and effective way to keep aphids, mites, and whiteflies at bay.
Garlic Spray: Blend garlic with water and spray onto leaves. It repels pests while keeping your garden chemical-free.
Hand Picking: For larger pests like caterpillars, the old-fashioned method of picking them off works wonders.

Harvest Often for Increased Yields

The best way to get more zucchinis? Pick them regularly! If left too long, zucchinis turn into oversized marrows, signalling to the plant that it’s done for the season. Frequent harvesting encourages more fruit to grow.

Final Thought: Keep an Eye on Your Plants

Prevention is always easier than fixing a problem later. Spend a few moments each day checking your zucchinis for early signs of trouble. A quick inspection can mean the difference between losing a crop to pests and enjoying a steady harvest all season long.

Happy growing! 🍃