Is It Better To Plant Zucchini In The Ground Or In Pots? Here's The Best Method

Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) is a popular type of summer squash that is considered easy to grow in home gardens. Still, having a productive zucchini plant depends on proper growing techniques. There are many easy tips for growing zucchini plants to be aware of, but you might also be wondering whether it's best to grow them directly in the ground or in pots. The decision to plant zucchini in pots versus the ground ultimately depends on the variety you're growing and the amount of space you have.

Generally speaking, there are two types of zucchini you can grow in home gardens: vining and bush-type. While both types can technically be grown in containers, vining zucchini is usually best-suited for planting in the ground. A big reason is that vining zucchini requires garden cages or trellises for support, which may not be practical for containers. Before growing any variety of zucchini, it's important to follow the plant label instructions carefully and to determine whether the type you're looking at is vining or bush-type. 

The greatest benefit of planting zucchini directly in the ground is adequate space for growth. Providing more space for zucchini to grow can ultimately ensure a more successful harvest, especially when considering vining types. While vining zucchini can be grown in containers, these need to be large enough to allow the plant to spread. This problem can be tackled by planting them in the ground where you can also have enough space to utilize trellises or cages to ensure the plants are supported as they grow larger and get heavier. Another benefit of planting zucchini directly in the ground is an increased opportunity to grow companion plants that can benefit them, like marigolds and nasturtium.

On the flipside, there are some downsides to consider when planting zucchini in the ground. The first is possible frost damage, which can occur if you plant zucchini in the ground too early in the season. To prevent this type of damage, you will need to wait until after the last frost before seeding to ensure the soil is warm enough to support the plants (above 65 degrees Fahrenheit). This is usually around mid- to late-spring. Ground-planted zucchini will also require more diligence in removing weeds. These are best removed by hand at their roots, and you will also need to add mulch at the base of your plants to prevent future weed growth.

On the other hand, there are several benefits of growing zucchini in pots, including convenience and space utilization. If you only have room to grow plants in containers, you can still grow zucchini in a pot on your patio or porch. In fact, bush-type zucchini is better grown in large pots, thanks to its shrub-like qualities. The best varieties of bush-type zucchini you can grow in containers and add to your patio vegetable garden are Bush Baby and Cue Ball. Another option is to place vining zucchini in planters with trellises behind them, so the plants creep upward as they grow. Finally, you also have more versatility with this planting choice. As long as there are drainage holes, you can plant zucchini in almost any large container, including a storage bin.

There are still some downsides to planting zucchinis in pots, and you will need to know them to avoid making a mistake with your container garden. First, zucchini requires large pots, so experts recommend choosing at least 15-gallon containers to provide enough growing room. Another caveat is that zucchini can dry out quicker in pots, so you might need to water them more frequently while also ensuring the soil itself is well-draining to prevent rot. Before planting zucchini in pots or the ground, double-check that the variety can be grown in the desired manner to save yourself future headaches. Also, no matter the method you choose, know that all types of zucchini do best in full sun and well-draining soil.