86 

 SPINACH, OR SPINAGE. 



EPINARD. Spinacia. 



VARIETIES. 



Large Round-leaved. Holland or Lamb's Quarter* 



Broad-leaved Savoy. New Zealand. 



THE Spinacia oleracea, or common Spinach, is very 

 hardy, and consequently a very important vegetable for cold 

 climates. It merits attention, from its being extremely 

 wholesome and palatable, and from its keeping green even 

 after having been cooked. It makes a delicious dish when 

 served up with the gravy of roast meat, melted butter, &c. 



As Spinach is the only vegetable that can be raised to 

 advantage the latter end of the year, the gardener should 

 prepare such ground as may have been occupied by Summer 

 crops, towards the end of August, and by having it well 

 manured for this crop, it will be in good condition for Beets, 

 Carrots, Parsnips, Turnips, &c., the Spring follow:'ng. 



If the ground be got ready, so as to have several beds 

 sown in succession, from the first to the end of September, 

 the forwardest of these, if covered up with straw at the 

 approach of cold weather, will furnish greens for the table 

 when other vegetables are scarce, and the latter crops will 

 recover the effects of a hard Winter, and produce a whole- 

 some vegetable early in the Spring. 



If Spinach seed be sown in rich ground in March and 

 April, it will grow freely, but it must be cut before the 

 approach of hot weather, or it will run to seed. To raise 

 it in perfection at this season, it should be sown in drills 

 about a foot apart, and kept cultivated by frequent hoeing ; 

 this will keep it in a growing state, and consequently pre- 

 vent its running up to seed so quick as it otherwise would 



It is altogether useless to sow Spinach seed in poor ground ; 

 let the ground be well manured with good strong dung, and 

 it will well reward you for your trouble by its abundant 

 produce. 



If Spinach be cultivated in drills a foot apart, it will 

 fequre from seven to eight pounds of seed to plant an acre 



