Spinach thrives in a very rich, well-drained, fine, mellow soil. I
prefer a sunny slope; but this is not necessary. Sow the seed from
the first to the fifteenth of September, so as to give the plants
time to become half grown by winter. Cover the seeds--three to an
inch--two inches deep, and pack the ground well over them; let the
rows be three inches apart. When the plants are three inches high,
thin out to three inches apart, and keep the soil clean and mellow
about them. Just before hard freezing weather, scatter about three
inches of straw, old pea-vines, or some light litter over the
whole bed. As soon as the days begin to grow warm in spring, and
hard frost ceases, rake this off. The hardy vegetable begins to
grow at once, and should be cut for use so as to leave the plants
finally six inches apart, for as fast as space is given, the
plants fill it up. By those who are fond of spinach it may be sown
in spring as soon as the frost is out. It quickly runs to seed in
hot weather, and thinnings of young beets may take its place where
space is limited. The Round or Summer is good for fall or spring
planting.
Those who need much instruction in regard to bush-beans should
remain in the city and raise cats in their paved back yards. We
shall only warn against planting too early--not before the last of
April in our region.
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