SPINACH 195 



the ground can be worked. It is of the easiest culture. A 

 supply may be had during the whole growing season by 

 making a succession of sowings at intervals of about two 

 weeks. Under good conditions it will be ready for table 

 use in about six weeks from the time of sowing the seed. 

 In planting it outdoors the rows should be about twelve 

 inches apart. The seed 

 should be covered about 

 one inch deep and about 

 forty seeds or more sown 

 to the foot of row. It 

 is well to use plenty of 

 seed, and since it often 

 starts poorly in dry weath- 

 er extra precautions are 



, , . . Fig. 77. Spinach. 



taken when sowing it at 



that time. The plants may be thinned out when too 



thick, and no matter how small they are they form a good 



vegetable. 



Spinach is often sown in the spring among early peas, 

 cabbage, potatoes, or other slow-growing crop. For early 

 spring use, the seeds of the hardiest kinds should be sown 

 in Northern sections the latter part of August. The plants 

 should grow well and attain a good size during the cool 

 weather of autumn, and on the approach of winter they 

 should be covered with about two inches of straw, hay, or 

 similar material. When thus treated the crop generally 

 comes through the winter without serious injury, and after 

 making a little growth in the spring is marketable. It is 

 harvested by cutting the plants off at the top of the ground. 

 For this purpose a short push hoe is run under the plants. 

 They are then freed from dead leaves, and after being 

 washed are ready for marketing. 



