Work the ground about 6 inches deep or make a row this deep. Plant 1 inch deep. When plants come up 1ft tall keep soil around the base of the plant. Plant at least 24 inches apart as they do get big. Each plant will get lots of Zucchini on it after it flowers. I put a little straw around each plant to keep the weeds away and this will help keep fruits from getting scar marks from the ground while growing. They can be picked at any time you want them. When harvesting cut the stem, not the plant. If you need anything else, you can always e-mail me. Thank you!