THE VEGETABLE GARDEN 261 



Earthing. By this method the plants are set on a 

 level. As they grow, the leaves are held together and 

 the earth is gradually drawn around the base of the 

 plant. The earth should not be drawn up so that it 



FIG. 143. Blanching Celery with Boards 



will cover the heart of the plant, for if any soil reaches 

 the heart, it will cause the tender stalks to decay. 



Trenching. Trenching is illustrated in Fig. 144. Dig 

 a trench twelve inches deep ; fill it to within six inches 

 of the top with soil that has been mixed with well- 

 rotted stable manure. Set the plants on a little ridge 

 along the middle of the trench. As the plants make 

 their growth, hold the leaves together and draw the soil 



