200 FRENCH MARKET-GARDENING 



Early Carrots. Spinach grown in this way branches 

 out a good deal, and produces fine foliage in about 

 three weeks after planting. The entire plant is 

 pulled up when ready, and is fit for sale when the 

 roots have been cut off. It realises a much higher 

 price than open-air Spinach at the same period. 



About the middle of August seeds of the variety 

 known as " Monstrous Viroflay " may be sown on 

 nicely prepared, but not deeply dug, soil, either in 

 drills, 9 to 12 in. apart and about 2 in. deep, or 

 " broad-cast " at the rate of about i Ib. of seed to 

 160 square yards or a little over 5 poles or " rods " 

 of ground. After sowing, the soil should be trodden 

 down firmly and raked over. To hasten germination, 

 a good watering may be given, especially if the soil 

 is inclined to be dry, or the seeds may have been 

 soaked in water three or four times before sowing. 

 Under favourable conditions Spinach leaves may be 

 picked from this first sowing about the end of Sep- 

 tember, taking care that only the largest leaves at the 

 bottom are picked first, and by hand. 



Another sowing of Spinach may be made in October 

 for gathering in spring, using the varieties known as 

 " Flanders "or " Prickly Long Standing " on this 

 occasion. 



Some growers sow Spinach in December amongst 

 Carrots in frames, picking the leaves with care when 

 ready. 



About the middle of February Spinach may be 

 sown at intervals of two or three weeks, until the 

 end of July. The early sowings should be made on 

 warm sunny borders, while the later ones in summer 

 are best on north borders, or between rows of other 



