32 The Bulletin, 



utilizing llie ground for a few weeks between the gathering and plant- 

 ing of 01 her crops. In greenhouses, hotbeds, or cold frames, radish 

 seeds are ])lnni(>d about Vo inch deep in rows 4 to 6 inches apart in 

 warm, rich soil. For good crisp radishes the soil should not lack for 

 moid ui-e fi-om the time the seeds are sown till the crop is gathered. 



Varieties. — Extra Early Scarlet Turnip, Crimson Giant, French 

 Breakfast, Half Long Scarlet. 



SALSIFY. 



Salsify is a hardy, tap-rooted plant commonly known as vegetable 

 oysier plant. The roots, when cooked, very closely resemble the flavor 

 of fried oysters. The character of the plant is such that it requires 

 prac.ically the same cuLural treatment as the parsnip and carrot. 



Deep, rich, cool soil and a moderately long growing season are neces- 

 sary 10 the production of good salsify. Under more northern conditions 

 the seed is sown early in the spring, as soon as the ground is in good 

 condition. Further south the sowings can be made in May or June, 

 for, if planted too early, the plants may run to seed and the roots 

 become woody and worthless. As the seed germinate poorly in loose 

 soil, they should be sown thickly and the rows tramped over or rolled 

 afier sowing. Rows are laid off the same as for other root crops. An 

 ounce of seed will plant about 70 feet of row; 3 to 10 pounds an acre. 

 When plants are up, thin to 4 or 5 inches apart. A fertilizer contain- 

 ing f) per cent nitrogen, 6 per cent available phosphoric acid, and 9 

 per cent actual potash, used at the rate of 1,000 to 1,500 pounds per 

 acre, should produce good results when applied to thoroughly prepared 

 and well cultivated soil. Salsify roots may remain in the ground all 

 winter or may be dug and stored in sand or earth in December, thus 

 keeping ihem fresh and sweet, to be used as desired during the winter. 



The most satisfactory variety is the Mammoth Sandwich Island. 



SPINACH. 



In some localities spinach is one of the most important truck crops 

 grown. Being one of the pot-herb crops or "greens," it must make a 

 quick growth in order to be crisp and tender. For home use it may be 

 had during the summer in the cooler parts of the country by making 

 successive plantings, but commercially it is grown as a spring and fall 

 crop. Spinach grows best in cool, moist weather. A rich, loamy, 

 well drained soil is most desirable. Growers in the South usually plant 

 the seed in August or September on land intended the next spring for 

 a CO]) of early snap or string beans. Spinach is mostly planted in 

 drill- 12 to 18 inches apart or far enough to permit of easy cultivation. 

 Ph:ns should stand about 4 to 6 inches apart. Ten to twelve pounds of 

 seed will plint an acre. The smooth-seeded varieties are most com- 

 mon Iv crrown. 



