Marrow
Introduction
Courgettes and marrows are the same family of plant, but marrow varieties are specially bred to be eaten when large.
Although marrows can grow very large, their flavour is generally much better when picked at smaller sizes. A common culinary use of marrows is to bake in the oven, after hollowing out the seeds in the middle of the marrow and stuffing with a suitable filling.
Planting
- Sow seed in a warm environment (propagator or windowsill)
- Planting depth: 2.5 cm or 1 inch (seed on its side)
- Plant spacing: 90 cm between plants in all directions
Harvesting
- Marrows are specially bred to be picked large (unlike courgettes)
- The fruit is best picked when 30 cm or 1 foot long (for the best flavour)
- Stuffed marrows baked in the oven are delicious!
(inside)
(outside)
(fresh)
(stored)
= jar, = freeze, 
= store
Varieties
Courgettes and marrows differ in their growing habit. Courgettes usually grow in a bush shape, with their fruit centred in the middle of the plant protected by the leaves above and around them.
Marrow varieties need more space, as the plants grow bigger and with a trailing habit (more like winter squash).
The easy way for a gardener to organise their growing and discover gardening ideas.
Growing
Marrow seed is best sown indoors in a warm environment. The plants are frost sensitive, and should only be transplanted to their final growing position once all risk of frost has passed.
Young seedlings with tender stems and leaves are vulnerable to being eaten by slugs and snails. To avoid this, allow the plants to grow bigger before risking planting out, as bigger plants with thicker leaves and stems are less likely to be eaten.
Like other types of squash, marrows are hungry plants, and thrive in a really rich soil. I add well rotted manure mixed with compost to the planting hole to help boost growth. Marking the planting hole with a cane or pole is helpful. When the plants start the spread, this will provide a guide to the centre of the plant for watering. Ensure the soil is kept moist at all times, and especially when flowers start to form.
Marrows are best picked before they grow too large. In dry conditions, they should store for a week or two, but unlike their close relatives winter squash, will not keep in storage at the onset of winter.