Begin with a smooth seedbed, free of rocks and other debris. Stretch a string between two stakes as a planting guide. Plant seeds one-half inch deep and thin to an inch apart after seedlings emerge. White Icicle' varieties take a little longer to mature and are more pungent. Hot weather or water stress will make the roots extremely pungent and pithy.
Spinach is another spring-garden favorite.
Thin plants several times. Mature plants should be spaced 6 inches apart. This technique increases yields. Harvest until the plant bolts, or sends up a seed stalk. Flat-leafed varieties like 'Hybrid Tyee', 'Hybrid Avon' and 'Giant Nobel' bolt later than traditional varieties like 'Winter Bloomsdale', he said.