Sunny Supersett

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

Summer squash needs full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when spring weather is warm and settled and nights are above 50°F (10°C). Sow groups of 3 seeds 1 inch deep and 1 foot apart, in rows 3 feet apart. Thin to 1 strong seedling per group. Or, plant in slightly mounded hills, 2 feet in diameter and 2 feet apart, sowing 5 or 6 seeds in each hill. When seedlings are several inches long, it is critical to thin hill-planted seedlings to the 2 strongest plants so they have ample room to grow.

GROWING NOTES

Amend soil well before sowing with lots of aged manure or compost. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with green plastic berry baskets at planting time, removing when plants get crowded. Be sure to thin properly — you will have more productive, disease-free plants if seedlings have enough room to mature.

HARVEST AND USE

For succulent texture and best flavor, pick Supersett crooknecks when they are no more than 4 to 6 inches long. Frequent harvesting keeps plants producing tasty new fruits all season long. These little squashes shine when freshly picked and simply steamed or poached in broth to serve with fresh herb butter.