Should I prune courgette plants

[Garvey]

I have three huge courgette plants which are cropping very well, but taking over my veg plot. They are now smoothering my carrots and beetroot. Should I consider pruning back the courgette leaves and if yes, how and by how much.

[seasprout]

Courgettes

If you cannot re-direct the plant in another direction, then sure, not too much mind you.

You might reduce the amount of fruit you get, but you need to think of your other plants as well.

There are very fleshy plants and snap easily anyway.

I bet you have a trailing type which do set off along the plot, If you can remember next year look for Bush types these tend to be more compact.

[Littlemouse]

My courgette leaves are much bigger than I thought they'd be. I've had my OH out there cutting off the tatty leaves and those shading other stuff this morning. He has been quite conservative with his cutting - I think I'd have been more radical.

Am I correct in assuming the bush types those where the leaves all come out of one central point? Can't find the seed packet.

[seasprout]

Am I correct in assuming the bush types those where the leaves all come out of one central point? Can't find the seed packet.

Yes.

A trailing variety has a stem several meters long.

[Littlemouse]

Thank you!