the incredible overnight growth of zucchini

We grow zucchini, squash, and some larger tomato varietals in a fenced garden at the back of our yard.  After fighting a desperately impossible battle with devil's grass for two straight years, Abe finally laid landscaping plastic. He used wood from our woodpile to hold the plastic in place over existing garden rows. Then it was as simple as cutting small holes in the plastic to plant the seeds. (We work hard, but we're very lazy gardeners.)

I was in the back garden this weekend picking some veggies. I noticed a small zucchini nestled up under some leaves, and I knew it was almost or probably ready. But my hands were full, so I decided to leave it for another day.

clockwise from 12 o'clock: spring onions, zucchini, cucumbers, summer squash

The next day, that little zucchini had more than doubled in size.  (You can see it in its enormity in the top right.) Lesson learned. 

So for the summer ahead, zucchini are best picked when they're about five inches long and not quite 2 inches around. Younger zucchini (and summer squash, too) is more tender and flavorful. Mammoth zucchs tend to be tough and bland, and are best used for muffins.