Sed rate (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) Overview. Sed rate, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), is a blood test that can reveal inflammatory activity in your body. A sed rate test isn't a stand-alone diagnostic tool, but it can help your doctor diagnose or monitor the progress of an inflammatory disease. When your blood is placed in a tall, thin tube, red blood cells (erythrocytes) gradually settle to the bottom. Inflammation can cause the cells to clump.
Wait to plant your yellow crookneck squash until three or four weeks after the last frost, when the soil has warmed. Create mounds of soil about 2 feet across. Use your hoe to dig a moat around the hill. Use four to five seeds for each mound. Poke holes at the top, 2 inches deep and three inches apart.
Most winter squash benefits from a curing stage; the exceptions are acorn, sweet dumpling and delicata. Curing is simply holding the squash at room temperature (about 70 degrees) for 10 to 20 days. After curing, transfer to a cool (45 to 50 degrees), dry place such as the basement or garage for long term storage.