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 squashes are vine-type plants whose fruits are harvested when fully mature. They take longer to mature than summer squash (3 months or more) and are best harvested once the cool weather of fall sets in. They can be stored for months in a cool basement-hence the name Winter squash.