240 



Gardening 



The outer leaves may 

 be cut closely at inter- 

 vals from early summer 

 until frosts. The first 

 cutting can be made 

 about 60 days from date 

 of seed sowing. The 

 plant usually lives over 

 winter in and below 

 zone E, but goes to seed 

 the second year. 



New Zealand spinach. 

 The New Zealand spin- 

 ach plant has recently 

 been introduced into 

 cultivation in America 

 where ;t is proving a 

 strong and vigorous 

 grower. It is an excel- 

 lent plant for use as 

 pot greens. 



The seeds have thick, 

 nut-like walls and should be softened by soaking to make 

 germination more rapid and certain. Put seeds in a dish, 

 pour over them hot (almost boiling) water, and let stand 

 for from 12 to 24 hours before planting. Plant seeds 

 early in spring about i inch deep in groups of 4 or 5, 

 about 3 feet apart. The plants grow rapidly and thrive 

 all summer. The upturned ends of the branches, with 

 several leaves, are cut for greens. New side branches are 

 then formed, and growth is continued until the plants are 



FIG. 135. New Zealand spinach, the best 

 plant for summer greens. The tips of the 

 branches are cut, as shown in the picture. 



