
Courgette farming
Courgette farming, commonly known as zucchini farming, is popular in Kenya due to the vegetable’s high nutritional value and good market demand. Here’s a quick guide to courgette farming in Kenya:
1. Climate & Soil Requirements
Climate: Courgettes grow best in warm to hot climates, thriving in temperatures between 18°C and 25°C. Soil: Well-drained, fertile loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Adding organic matter improves soil fertility, while good drainage prevents root rot.
2. Planting
Spacing: Space plants about 60 cm apart in rows that are 90–100 cm apart.Sowing: Sow seeds directly in the field or start them in nurseries and transplant them after 2–3 weeks.Watering: Water regularly, especially during the dry season, to ensure soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
3. Crop Management
Fertilization: Apply organic manure or compost before planting. Use nitrogen-rich fertilizer at planting and switch to potassium-rich fertilizer when plants begin flowering.
Pest and Disease Control: Common pests include aphids, caterpillars, and whiteflies. Diseases like powdery mildew and downy mildew can also affect courgettes, so monitoring and timely intervention are key.


4. Harvesting
Timeline: Courgettes mature 2–3 months after planting.
Yield: Harvest regularly to encourage continuous production, typically when the courgettes are about 15–20 cm long for best quality.
5. Market Potential
Local and Export Markets: With a growing demand for healthy foods, courgettes have a good local and export market in Kenya.
Profitability: Due to the short growth period and high market demand, courgettes can be highly profitable, especially when farmed on a small scale for niche or organic markets.