CELERY

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 132, 1 December 1938, Page 30

CELERY

Celery should be grown more freely than is done. Probably the current idea that it is a difficult crop to grow prevents many gardeners from trying it. As a matter of fact Celery is not difficult to grow if a few principles are attended to. It requires rich soil, one containing plenty of humus arid which does not dry out too quickly. One of the most important points to observe is that the plants must never be allowed to suffer a check at any time. For this reason the seedlings should be transplanted two or three times before they are finally planted out. They should be well watered before they are lifted and the lifting should be done with a trowel so that the roots may not be disturbed ■more than is necessary. Plant fairly firmly and water them in. Self-blanching celery may be grown on the level but other kinds require a trench so that the plants may be earthed up for blanching the stems. The trench should be dug about 18 inches deep, the bottom well broken up and rotted manure or grass clipping added. Tramp as firm as possible and then place soil on top, bringing the ground to within six or nine inches of the top. Trenches may be made either a foot or 18 inches wide, the former for single rows, and double rows being grown in the wider ones. Space the plants from 9 to 12 inches apart and after planting, if the weather is hot and dry, shade the trenches with some boards, a piece of scrim, or branches for a few days until the plants have recovered from the move. Celery responds readily to liquid manure which should be given when the soil is moist. Keep the surface soil between the plants loose and suppress weeds. Any decaying leaves should be removed, also any offsets. *2arthing-up should not be commenced until the plants have made ulenty of growth and should then oe done gradually, adding, say, four inches of soil at first, leaving it loose. As the plants grow more soil may be added. It is important that the soil should not get in between the leaves, sc the plants should either be held together when the soil is being put round them or they may be tied loosely with raffia or other soft material. No liquid manuring should be done after earthing has commenced.