There was a time when growing summer squash meant either growing a yellow crookneck or a green zucchini. Times have changed. There are not only new varieties of yellow summer squash and green zucchini available that feature better productivity and disease resistance, there is also a host of other summer squash varieties that have different shapes and skin colors.

Summer squash is one of the simplest vegetables to grow. The large seeds germinate quickly in warm soils. The plants grow fast, they stay in a bush form so they are more manageable, and they often flower within a month after seeding. And the fruits just keep coming all summer until disease, insects, or you stop them. In fact, their reputation for being so prolific leads many people to keep their car windows and house doors closed for fear neighbors will dump their excess squash on them!

Although they produce abundantly, summer squashes also taste great and make perfect additions to sautes, stir fries, soups, casseroles, and breads.

Summer squash is grouped by fruit color and shape. The yellow crooknecks are one of the most common types grown. Hybrid varieties, such as 'Dixie' and 'Horn of Plenty', improve on the heirloom crookneck varieties with better production and uniformity. Some varieties, such as 'Supersett', have improved disease resistance and uniform fruit color.

If you like yellow summer squash but not the crookneck shape, try some of the straight-neck yellow summer squash. 'Goldbar', 'Gold Rush', and 'Multipik' are newer varieties to try.

Zucchini varieties abound. 'Black Beauty' and 'Grey Zucchini' are two classics. Others to try include 'President' and 'Senator'. For a lighter green zucchini, try the Lebanese, "cousa" type such as 'Magda'.

For a squash of a different shape try the patty pans. These "flying saucers" are similar to other summer squash except for their unique shape. 'Peter Pan' is a hybrid, green, scalloped-shape variety; 'White Bush Scallop' is a white version, and 'Sunburst' is a yellow variety. For something completely different, try 'Eight Ball', a hybrid, round squash that is great for stuffing and baking.

Like all squash and pumpkins, summer squash and zucchini grow best with warm soil temperatures and plenty of water. Although they can be bought as transplants from a garden center, summer squashes are easiest sown direct into the soil once the soil temperatures is above 60° F. In cold weather areas, consider laying down a layer of black plastic mulch two weeks before planting to preheat the soil and then plant into holes poked in the plastic. Amend the soil with a 1- to 2-inch-thick layer of compost before planting.

There are various planting methods you can use. Plants seeds in rows, dropping the seeds about 8 inches apart in furrows about 6 inches deep. You also can plant summer squash in hills or mounds. Plant 6 to 8 seeds in hills or circles spaced 4 feet apart. Thin after the seedlings emerge, leaving the two to three strongest seedlings. If you have heavy or wet soil, raise the hills into mounds about 8 inches high and flat on top. Plant and space the seeds as you would in the hills.

Once they start growing, side-dress plants at first flowering and then monthly with an all-purpose fertilizer to keep the fruits coming. Keep plants well weeded, and once the soil has warmed, mulch with an organic product, such as pine straw. Keep the squash well watered as well.