When my father passed me some zucchini seedlings in early October, I was a bit skeptical. Now, I'm convinced as we have a steady flow of one ready every few days. Then there are those we miss and they go to Zucchini Heaven.

Zucchinis always seamed to be something that was ready around late January. This year we've beaten the target with some early planting bloody minded good luck with the frosts.

The first one was ready just before we went on holiday. I had planned some noble feast for it, but as there was only on we had it in Peruvian Stew from on of the Moosewood cookbooks. Those flowers are great too. I have no idea when I'm supposed to pick them without destroying the fruit but I'm open to advice.

While we were away I had organised my mother to stop by occasionally and water the garden (turn the dial on the timer anyway). I forgot to let her know that she could and really should pick the vegetables if they were ready. I had been looking forward to getting out the Moosewood again – Ok we have four of the books, my husband gets a kick out of trying new vegetarian meals. However, the recipe for marinated zucchini specifically asked for SMALL zucchinis and it looked like we had a marrow on our hands.

The oversized zucchini, not quite a marrow, was consequently sent to Zucchini Heaven. There is such a place. Stuffed zucchini is a thing of the past. I'm converted to Zucchini Chocolate Cake. If my child didn't already eat her greens, I would say she is now converted too.

At the moment it is all quite novel. I hadn't thought I would be eating the garden quite so early. I may be over it all after 2 months of zucchinis, but for now I'm making the most of it.