n6 FRENCH MARKET-GARDENING 



of the weather, so that the plants may become sturdy. 

 If the seedlings (from seeds sown in January) are too 

 close together, they may be either " thinned out " or 

 " pricked out," 3 to 4 in. apart, on an old hot-bed, 

 when four or five leaves have developed. Seedlings 

 from later growings in February and March may be 

 pricked out when large enough in cold frames, under 

 cloches, or even on warm south borders. 



In April, when the earlier crops of Turnips, Carrots, 

 Radishes, etc., have been taken from the frames, the 

 young Celery plants may take their places. They 

 will then be about 5 or 6 in. high. The plants are 

 placed opposite each other, and not " angled," about 

 I ft. apart in rows a similar distance from each 

 other. After planting, the soil should be well watered 

 to settle it about the roots, and a little litter or dry 

 manure may be spread over the surface of a soil likely 

 to dry rapidly. During growth attention must be 

 paid to weeding and hoeing, and plenty of water must 

 be given as the weather becomes warmer and growth 

 more vigorous. As soon as the plants are about 

 1 8 in. high, they are ready for " blanching." If, 

 however, the stems are more or less spreading, they 

 should be tied together in one or two places, taking 

 care, however, not to tie the tops too tightly, or the 

 centres may be crippled and prevented from developing 

 further. Plants from the earlier sowings will be ready 

 for cutting about the end of July and during August ; 

 while later sowings in April and May will produce plants 

 for succession in autumn and winter. The green- 

 stemmed varieties of Celery (verts) are best for winter 

 use, owing to their hardiness ; while the blonds (sown 

 in May) are recommended for autumn use, as they are 



