VEGETABLES RAISED FOR MARKET 



increasing, it is none the less a fact that the profit- 

 able management of it is a matter of exceeding 

 difficulty. The crop is one that demands more 

 careful and laborious attention than almost any 

 other in the market -gardener's list. 



The seed is extremely small and remarkably 

 slow in germinating, and this presents at the 

 outset one of the difficulties of celery growing, 

 viz., securing a good stand of plants to commence 

 with. To accomplish this demands, amongst other 

 things, a seed-bed well and thoroughly prepared, 

 a careful choice of the most suitable varieties 

 and a skilful sowing of well-selected seed. 



In choosing a place for starting the plants, find 

 if possible a cool and partially shaded spot. The 

 soil should be put in good condition and firmed 

 down. After it is prepared in this respect, rake 

 the surface lightly and sow on the seed broad- 

 cast, then place a hot-bed shutter, or a plank, on 

 the surface, and have a man walk or jump upon 

 it until the soil is again well compacted. After 

 this, sift on soil, using just enough to cover the 

 seed lightly, not over a quarter of an inch at most. 

 Then pat down moderately with the back of a 

 spade or shovel, and the work is done, except 



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