56 HOW TO PLANT. 



RHUBARB. (Rheum Rhaponticum.) 



Sow seed in March or April ; select rich soil ; lay off 

 rows fifteen inches apart, in which sow the seed thinly. 

 After they come up and become strong, say two or three 

 inches high, thin out to eight to ten inches apart. In 

 the fall, after frost, transplant into permanent ground, 

 three feet apart each way ; soil should be deep and rich. 

 One planting lasts for several years. The leaf stalk is the 

 part used. It is boiled and used in same way as green 

 apples, which it is very much like in taste. 



SALSIFY, OB OYSTER PLANT. (Tragopogon porrifolius.) 



Salsify requires rich mellow soil, broken eighteen 

 inches deep. If the land is not naturally rich use old, 

 well rotted lot manure, or good ammoniated commercial 

 fertilizer, mixed well with the soil. Plant in March or 

 April. Lay off rows, an inch and a-half deep, twelve 

 inches apart, in which drill the seed thinly ; cover about 

 one inch deep. When well up, thin out to four to six 

 inches apart ; cultivate well. The roots will keep sound 

 in the open ground all the winter. It is a delicious vege- 

 table for soups, and for slicing and boiling and dressing 

 like oysters, or frying in batter. Use it during winter. 



SCORZONERA, OR BLACK SALSIFY (Scorzonera Hispa- 

 nica. This is similar to salsify and requires same treat- 

 ment. 



SPINACH. (Spinacia oleracea.) 



Spinach is one of the hardiest and most delicate vege- 

 tables that we have for greens. Plant in September and 

 October for winter use, and from March to July for 

 spring and summer use. Spinach requires rich soil ; sow 

 thinly, broadcast, or in drills fifteen inches apart. 



SEA KALE. (Crambe maritima.) 



Sow about April first, one inch deep, in drills two feet 

 apart, and thin out to five or six inches, and the spring 



