digdirt, I've often wondered about transplanting my zucchini a bit deeper but I have never found any source that even addresses it. Since I only start one pot, I've never been willing to risk it.... I was thinking it might make it prone to rot at that size. Do you have first-hand experience? lol!

I'd guess it isn't addressed because direct seeding is the recommended method, not transplanting. Personally I never start any squash plants indoors simply because they do grow so fast and have to be transplanted outside so quickly. But I have moved and transplanted extras from the hills to new spots and planted them deeply with no problems.

I know some do start theirs indoors because they have such a short growing season but that isn't the case in my location.

IME there are very few, if any, vegetables that one would transplant or move rather than direct seed that cannot be transplanted deeply and it is especially important when dealing with leggy plants. I have done it with lettuces, broccoli, cauliflower, chard, corn, onions, beets, spinach, melons, beans, cukes, etc. and all kinds of squash to fill in holes here and there where something didn't germinate or needed replacing or was overcrowded. You just have to do it while still young and with care not to damage the roots.

Dave

Thanks for the reply, Dave! I have a short growing season and smaller veg gardens and I've found that if I start my squashes & cukes in pots a few weeks early and wait a bit for planting out (hoping the ground will actually warm a little by June 1) that I can usually start harvesting mid-July.... works for me!

Thanks Dave - was on vacation and didn't get to your reply till now... we're hoping to get our garden tilled and ready to go this coming weekend. Will definitely give the little plant a try! I'm glad, I really do hate throwing out anything growing and alive!

In my climate soil temperatures are not warm enough for zucchini to germinate outdoors until well into summer. Therefore, starting inside (without lights, may I say) is completely normal procedure for all gardeners. It works absolutely fine and yes, you can plant as deep as the first leaves.

Well the leggy zucchini started growing beautifully in its plastic cup... just got planted in the garden this week and looks as good as the store bought plants planted next to it! Thanks again for the advice.