Little Lemon

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

Squash needs full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when spring weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 1 inch deep and 1½ feet apart in rows 2 feet apart. When several inches long, thin to 1 strong seedling per group.

Little Lemon produces vigorous vines, and can also be trained up a short trellis where it will happily fill in and ramble. Just very gently tie the vines with twine to the support as they grow. Growing this way makes it easy to locate and pick the pretty lemon colored fruits.

HARVEST AND USE

Harvest squash when no more than 3 inches across for best flavor and tenderness. Frequent harvesting keeps plants producing tasty new squashes instead of maturing large, tough and pithy ones. Steam or stir fry the little squashes and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like chives, basil, dill or lemon basil. Or sauté, season, and finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

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.