426 GAKDENING FOK THE SOUTH. 



ous growth. Spinach is propagated from seed so easily, 

 and is so valuable for winter greens, that no garden 

 should be without it. 



The first crop is sown at the South the first of October, 

 and in succession until winter sets in, and on the roast 

 through the winter months the sowings are continued. 

 At New York the first of September is the proper season. 

 For this crop the prickly is the hardiest, but the Lettuce- 

 Leaved is the best. Another sowing should be made as 

 soon as spring opens, and they may be continued until 

 the summer heats come on, when the plants will quickly 

 run to seed. Use the smooth-seeded kinds for the later 

 crops. 



Sow thinly in drills an inch deep, about fifteen inches 

 apart, or eighteen inches for the larger varieties. Sow in 

 moist weather, or if dry, water the seed in the drill before 

 covering, for if moisture be wanting during the early 

 stages of vegetation, not half the seed will come up. Thin 

 them by degrees, separating them at first only an inch or 

 two as the plants grow fit for use. Thinning should com- 

 mence when they attain four leaves an inch or so in 

 breadth. The plants must finally stand in the drill, for 

 the prickly spinach five inches, and the round leaf eight 

 inches. Keep the rows frequently hoed and free from 

 weeds. Hoe in dry weather. Spinach kept clean and 

 thinned properly is not so liable to die out in winter. 

 During severe weather a thin covering of straw or ever- 

 green brush is essential for the protection of the winter 

 crop north of Washington, and is very beneficial south of 

 that point. Regular gathering greatly promotes the 

 health of the plants. The outer leaves only should be 

 used, leaving the centre uninjured to supply successive 

 crops. At the end of the winter, the soil betAveen the 

 rows of the winter-standing crop should be gently stirred, 

 to assist their production in early spring. For summer 



