CELERY AND LEEKS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20426, 30 November 1929, Page 5 (Supplement)

CELERY AND LEEKS.

TRENCHES AND MANURE.

Trenches should be prepared for the planting out of celery, for; although too early for putting out the main crop a row or two for early use should be planted. The preparation of the trenches is in any case advisable, as it allows tho manure to properly decay and the soil to sink to its proper level by the time for planting. Celery naturally loves rich ground, and to produce weli-yrown, crisp stalks, well decomposed manure is essential. With the exception of the self-bleaching variety, and celeriac, commonly known as the turnip-rooted celery, well prepared trenches is the best method of culture, as it not only confines the manure to where the plants will derive the greatest benefit from its use, but the moisture is better and more easily retained than when planted on the f.urface, or only in shallow drills. The (tenches should bo dug from 9in. to 12in. deep, according to the nature of the ground. ' Tn stiff soil 9in., or slightly less, may be sufficient, but in light, free, well-drained soils lOin. to 12in. will lie best In tliG bottom of the trench a layer of at least 4in. of well-decomposed manure should bo placed, to be forked over and well mixed with the bottom soil. Upon this should be placed about 4iri. of good rich soil, in which the plants should be planted. As soon as the plants have recovered from tho shifting (he new roots quickly search out the food they require, and make rapid growth, Afler planting water, and partially shade by .covering the trench with a few twigs or branches until they recover from the shifting. Preparations should be made for the planting out of leeks. These, like celery, luxuriate in rich soil, and can be either grown in trenches or in fairly deep drills, drawn with the hoe, while for bleaching the soil can be drawn up on both sides until the length of bleaching required is obtained.