MUSTARD 265 



crop, it is best to start the plants in a hotbed, or in boxes in the 

 house, and then set out in a well-prepared bed in the garden. Sow 

 in late summer or early fall for fall and winter crops, using seeds 

 of well-known hardy varieties. To protect the plants from freez- 

 ing during severe weather, cover them with coarse straw. They 

 will then head up in the spring. Or they can be transplanted 

 under glass or a canvas covering to head up for winter use. 



There are three main types of lettuce grown: Leaf lettuce, 

 head lettuce, and Cos or Romaine lettuce. The last is more up- 

 right than the others. Head lettuce is most in demand for salad 

 purposes, and it is this form which is most commonly transplanted. 

 In Europe the Cos lettuce is most popular. It requires blanching 

 to be of the best quality. When not blanched it may be used as 

 garnish. This form of lettuce endures more summer heat than 

 the other types. 



Spinach. This plant is grown exclusively for greens and is 

 considered a splendid tonic. It is a cool season crop, and should 

 be planted as early as possible, as it will run to seed as soon as 

 warm weather comes. It will be ready for table use in from six 

 to eight weeks. In the South this may be planted in the fall, and 

 will winter with no protection, as a general thing. 



When planted in the fall it is usually sown broadcast, but in 

 the spring it is sown in drills about one foot apart, and should be 

 well tilled until ready for use. The fall-sown crop is given no 

 tillage,. It requires good soil, rich in nitrogen, and thrives best in 

 cool, moist weather. 



One ounce of seed will plant 100 feet of drill. In sowing broad- 

 cast about one-fourth more seed should be allowed than if sown in 

 drills. 



New Zealand spinach is a hot weather plant. That is, it does 

 not go to seed when the hot days come, but continues to grow. 

 It is not a dense, compact plant like the ordinary spinach, but 

 continually forms branches and new growth. These may be 

 broken off and used, whereas in the other varieties the entire 

 plant is pulled and used. The seed is sown in drills some distance 

 apart, and the plants are thinned to one foot apart in the row, 

 where they continue to grow during the entire season. 



Mustard. In the South this plant is grown as a winter crop 

 and may be cut at almost any time during open winter weather. 

 It is usually sown broadcast in September or October, but may also 

 be sown in February or April. Early spring sowing is usually prac- 



