SPINACH M g 



SPINACH 



(Spinacia oleracea) 



SPINACH plays an important part in the economy of the dinner table. 

 There are unfortunate beings who cannot eat it, for they describe it 

 as bitter, sooty, and nauseous. Probably an equal number of persons 

 regard it as a most princely vegetable. The rest of mankind proclaim 

 it a wholesome, savoury, and acceptable esculent. It will grow any- 

 where and anyhow. Therefore we have not to commence this article 

 with serious proposals ; but some little management is needed to 

 keep up a constant supply, not simply of Spinach but of fine Spinach 

 with large, dark green leaves, that when properly cooked will be found, 

 like the best Potatoes, to have butter in them already, as the result of 

 good cultivation. 



To produce first-class Spinach we need a well-tilled rich loam, 

 but a capital sample may be grown on clay that has been some time 

 in cultivation. The early sowings of Round or Summer Spinach 

 should be in a sheltered situation, but not directly shaded. Sow in 

 drills one foot apart, and one inch deep, beginning in January, 

 although the first sowing may fail, and continue to sow about every 

 fortnight until the middle of May. The earliest sowings should be on 

 dry ground, but the later sowings will do well on damp ground with 

 a little shade from the midday sun. It is important to thin the crop 

 early, as it should not be in the least drawn. This is the only essen- 

 tial point in securing a fine growth, for if the plant cannot spread from 

 the beginning it will never become luxuriant, and will soon run up to 

 seed. Thin at first to six inches, and if large enough for use, send the 

 thinnings into the house. Thin finally and before the leaves overlap 

 to twelve inches. Every plant will cover the space, and it will suffice 

 to take the largest leaves, two or three only from each plant, and thus 

 a basket may be filled in a few minutes with really fine Spinach. 



As the heat of the summer increases, the Spinach crop will be 

 inclined to bolt. The starved plant will bolt first ; the plant in rich 

 moist soil, with plenty of room to spread, will be more leisurely about 

 it, and will give time for the production of a succession crop to take 

 its place. The sowings from May to August should be small and 

 numerous, and on rich moist land, to be aided, if needful, with water. 

 In many gardens there is a sufficient variety of vegetables after the 



