CULTURE OF CELERY. 



ceeding thus along the whole length, stretch a line about eighteen inches from tin- 

 row on each side, give a cut outside the line, and lift up enough soil to make an equal 

 surface with that placed to the plants. 'J'his process will make what was previously 

 a trench into a bank, with the double row of plants in the center. As growth pro- 

 gresses, this operation will have to be repeated. A practiced eye requires no guide as 

 to how often, or how much ought to be done, and no definite rule can be given ; for 

 where there is great luxuriance, more depth and often repeated earthing will be neces- 

 sary ; but if we take a medium average, once a week will be a general requirement 

 for three or four weeks. Some persons do not earth at all until they intend to do it 

 finally ; but, excepting for the latest crops, or that which is wanted for spring use," 

 this practice is open to much objection. In the first place, the stalks have by this 

 time grown outward to a horizontal position, and become solid, so that they will break 

 or split at the bottom, which brings on rottenness, and disfigures the form of the head. 

 The soil also is more subject to fall down into the center by the great depth which is 

 put on ; and as the stalks have hitherto had light and air, the leaflets are more numer- 

 ous and situated closer to the base, and consequently they have to be covered up. 

 These often rot, and always 2:)revent the young heart-leaves from ascending straight, 

 the result of which is distorted form and crooked stalks. 



With regard to that portion of the crop which is required for latter winter and early 

 spring use, an exception to this is advisable ; for, as stated above, if the soil remains 

 too long in contact, the quality is injured. Therefore, in this case, do not earth up 

 any further than merely to give an upright position to the stalks ; and when it is to 

 be done, finish at one or two operations. The best time to commence earthing this 

 late portion, is a little before frosty nights begin to occur. 



Protection in Winter. — Although Celery is very hardy in a natural or poorly grown 

 state, it is soon injured by frost when gorged with luxuriance, or blanched ; therefore, 

 as we have it in cultivation, winter protection is necessary. It is also soon rotted or 

 rendered insipid if kept too warm, on which account a temperature that is only a few 

 degrees above the freezing point is best. Avoid close, damp cellars ; for in such places 

 it is almost sure to decay. Often as this plan has been tried, there have been few 

 cases of success. The best method which has come under my own observation is as 

 follows : — Choose a piece of ground where the water can pass oS freely, and bed the 

 heads in rows of about six in each, and in an upright position. Commence by raising 

 a bank against which the first row shall rest ; lift each head, and preserve the roots 

 carefully, which may be done by cutting down one side of the row in which it has 

 grown, and afterwards putting the spade under each plant. Before lifting, tie a piece 

 of bast or twine around the upper part, which will prevent the stalks from breaking, 

 and also facilitate the process. Remove all decayed leaves, and fix carefully against 

 the bank almost close together ; raise up in front enough soil to cover nearly to the 

 top, leaving only a portion of the top leaves exposed. The next row may be a few 

 inches asunder, and so on. Afterwards leave all uncovered until wet or frost sets in, 

 when a coping of boards or shutters should be fixed over. Where there is not thi 

 convenience, a quantity of pea-stakes may be laid over the top ; but whatever be 



