Do you have a zucchini in your kitchen? Have you been asked in the past two weeks if you’ve needed one? Well, it’s that time of year, and Sauteed Zucchini With Parmesan Cheese is our favorite garden to table side. OK- tomatoes are right there too. It’s beyond easy to assemble and is a side that goes with so many meats and vegetables.
My Zucchini Problems
I have a terrible time growing zucchini. I still consider myself a novice gardener, and as far as size, our garden is perfect for Tom and I but small in comparison to most. If I could just get past the idea of spraying chemicals and research safe organic methods of fertilizing and bug kill, I might be able to grow a green thumb. Year after year, the growing season for the zucchini plants gets shorter and shorter. After that first pick, the plants are prone to every known plant disease. The leaves start yellowing, wilting, and holes appear. Yes, zucchini is very susceptible to bugs, and maybe I need to rethink the allotted zucchini space and use it for vegetables not so predisposed to diseases. In the past, I’ve tried dish soap in a spray bottle with water, but I’m giving myself ten months to be prepared with organic products, or it’s on to new vegetables.
Beautiful Zucchini!
Now, this is how zucchini is supposed to look. I had one zucchini from my garden, and I wanted one more for back up to do this post. To Mathew’s (#1, #1) house, I go. You met Matt when he made his mother’s recipe, Carmel Pecan Turtles. Going out to his house gave me another excuse to take pictures of a garden and boy does he have a garden. Now I will add that he has the perfect spot for a garden. Lot’s of space and sun. He has engineered (rigged) a watering system, a trellis for cucumbers, raised beds and much much more.
Sun Is Important For Growth and Production
In the picture above, Matt is standing at the end of his zucchini row. Impressive, right? Now take a look at the picture on the top right. That particular patch of zucchini was planted the same time the full grown and producing row was planted. The small patch gets a fraction of the sun compared to the row of large plants. In fact, zucchini plants are supposed to get 4-6 hours of sun. The picture on the bottom right is from my garden. Don’t be sad, next year is right around the corner, and I did get some zucchini.
For growth and care of your plants, Matt suggested Bonide which is a line of fertilizers and pesticides. They carry organic and non-organic products. You can find their site Here. I’m also adding a website that offered a recipe for an organic pest control spray. It includes onion, garlic, cayenne pepper, castile soap and mint leaves. You can find the recipe at The Prairie Homestead.
A View Of Matt’s Garden 2017
Sauteed Zucchini With Parmesan Cheese
I don’t think I’ve tasted a recipe with zucchini that I didn’t like, but Sauteed Zucchini With Parmesan Cheese has to be the easiest side to add to your dinner table. Zucchini has a high water content which makes the sauteing go fast. We are talking three ingredients; zucchini, a little butter, and parmesan cheese. The flavor you get with this combination is all about summertime!
Depending on the size of your zucchini, you can slice it to make circular pieces without removing the seeds, and if your squash is large, you can cut it in half, remove the seeds and chop. The skillet picture shows a smaller sliced zucchini and the picture above shows a large zucchini chopped.
The uses for zucchini are endless. From baking to sauteing, this summer squash is not only fun to cook with, it’s packed with all sorts of vitamins and nutrients and for that reason alone we should always give it a spot in our garden. I’ve listed two sites (both with a 5) giving you all the health benefits of zucchini. You might be surprised.
Do you grow zucchini and what’s your secret? Do you have problems growing squash? If you have any special tips for growth and bug prevention, please consider leaving a comment below. We’d love to hear from you.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Rose
5 Surprising Health Benefits of Zucchini
- 1 medium sized zucchini sliced
- 2-3 tablespoons of butter
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Slice zucchini.
- Placed butter and zucchini in a skillet and simmer until the zucchini becomes translucent.
- Add a portion of the parmesan cheese to the zucchini and stir.
- Cover the top of the zucchini with the remaining cheese and add more if you'd like.
- Place a lid on the skillet and let simmer on the lowest setting until cheese is melted.
- All of the quantities can be altered depending on your taste.
- ENJOY!