Renee's Garden Squash Summer Climbing Trombetta di Albinga (Heirloom)

Planting: Squash needs full sun, rich, fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when spring weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 55°F. Train vigorous Trombetta vines up 6-8' stakes or a fence or trellis where they will make a lush, leafy arbor or canopy and save garden space. Plant in full sun, sowing 3 or 4 seeds 1" deep and 4" from vertical supports. Thin to the strongest seedlings for each pole or to 12" apart along a fence.

Growing: Amend soil well before sowing with lots of aged manure or compost. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with plastic berry baskets at planting time, removing when plants get crowded. Thing properly to get best quality fruits and highest yield. As young plants grow, tie them to supports.

Harvest & Use: Softly curved, lime-green Trombetta squashes are best harvested no longer than 10-12" long and as thick around as cucumbers. Sauté or stuff them, or use in any of your favorite summer squash recipes. Cook until just tender to enjoy their fine flavor and texture.