Zucchini cultivation is a popular summer activity in many regions, and for good reason—it’s an easy-to-grow vegetable packed with essential nutrients. To get a bountiful harvest, enriching the soil with key minerals like phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and nitrogen is essential. While store-bought fertilizers are available, traditional homemade methods are often more affordable and environmentally friendly.
Here are four natural and effective ways to feed your zucchini plants for maximum yield:
1. Manure
A classic fertilizer, well-aged manure from cows, horses, pigs, or goats is excellent for enriching soil. Apply it in the fall or spring before planting. During the growing season, especially before or during flowering, you can use diluted fresh manure (including chicken, duck, or goose droppings). This boosts leaf growth and supports abundant fruiting.
2. Iodine Solution
Iodine strengthens young leaves and promotes healthy flowering. Mix 40 drops of iodine into 10 liters of water. Apply the solution a couple of weeks after planting and again during flowering for increased plant vigor and productivity.
3. Wood Ash
Rich in potassium, wood ash can enhance zucchini yield by over 50%. Mix 30 grams of wood ash into 10 liters of water and water the base of the plants during the fruiting stage. You can also apply dry ash to moist soil to help roots absorb nutrients more effectively.
4. Yeast Solution
Yeast encourages stem development and improves the plant’s ability to absorb minerals. Dissolve 35 grams of yeast and 1 cup of sugar in 3 liters of warm water. Let it ferment for 5 hours in a sunny spot, then dilute in 10 liters of water and water your zucchini generously.
