SPINACH 233 



lizer will pay. About 350 to 500 pounds an 

 acre of a mixture containing only phosphoric 

 acid and potash is needed. This mixture 

 preferably contains 4 to 6% phosphoric acid 

 and 6 to 7% potash. Broadcasting the fer- 

 tilizer is the best practice. 



Cultivation. Tillage is frequent, espe- 

 cially at first, using a shuffle hoe or wheeled 

 hoe and being careful to give only shallow 

 cultivation. Four to six times is the correct 

 number. Spinach should always follow a 

 clean crop, in order to be free from weeds. 

 Therefore, the work of cultivation is gener- 

 ally light. 



Pests. There are no serious insect or dis- 

 ease pests, although at times the leaf mag- 

 got or the leaf spot cause loss. There are at 

 present no satisfactory remedies. 



Harvesting and Marketing. Harvesting 

 consists of cutting the stem just at the 

 ground or a little below. The spinach has 

 developed at harvest so that it completely 

 covers the ground. It is, therefore, neces- 

 sary to use a tool for harvesting that will 

 run under the leaves. A sharp shove-hoe or 

 a sharp-wheeled hoe will work finely. Pro- 

 bably more of the former tools are Used. 



