MUSTARD 97 



siderable freezing of the ground and severe frosts. Successions of 

 plantings are seldom made in the southern states because of the 

 rapid approach of hot weather. In northern latitudes several 

 plantings may be made. It pays to soak the seeds before planting, 

 but too much soaking may be harmful, as the seeds may split open 

 and be destroyed. The rows should be far enough apart to allow 

 of cultivation, and the distance will vary according to the height 

 of the varieties. They may be planted in double drills and a sup- 

 port placed between these drills. Two bushels of seed will plant 

 an acre. The depth of planting may be one to two inches. In 

 the region of large canneries grain drills are used for planting 

 the seeds. 



When the crop is ready for harvest it is mowed with a hay 

 mowing machine and raked as hay. The vines are not allowed to 

 cure on the ground, but are hauled immediately to the threshing 

 machines at the canneries. The vines and other waste may be put 

 into silos as feed for cattle. The vines from the home garden make 

 good forage for stock. 



Spinach. — This plant belongs to the beet family, and the seeds 

 resemble garden beet seed. The plants are very hardy, and will 

 endure severe spring frosts. When hot weather comes seed stems 

 are sent up and the crop is lost. Rich garden soil is preferred. The 

 crop is grown exclusively for greens, for which it is one of the mild- 

 est flavored plants. The crop may be matured in six or eight 

 weeks from the time of planting. In the southern states it is fre- 

 quently grown as a late fall crop. With a little protection of straw 

 or other litter it may stand the severe winter weather and make 

 an early spring growth for the table or the market. It is not, how- 

 ever, quite as hardy as mustard and turnips grown for the same 

 purpose. The spinach crop is drilled in rows twelve to eighteen 

 inches apart and may be tilled with a wheel hoe or garden rake to 

 prevent the crusting of the ground. The fall crop may be sown 

 broadcast, as there is less trouble from weeds. Allow one ounce 

 of seed to one hundred feet of drill for spring planting. (See New 

 Zealand spinach in Chapter XI). 



Mustard. — When this crop is grown for greens it may be planted 

 in early spring or in the fall, in the northern states. In the southern 

 states it is commonly sown broadcast in the fall and may withstand 

 the winter and produce an early cutting of greens in February, 

 March and April. It is more commonly sown broadcast than in 

 rows. One ounce of seed will sow about one-fifth of an acre. There 

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