CELERY 45 



watering repeated until the plants have made a start. The bed 

 system is not only economical, but convenient for sheltering in 

 winter, and should have the best attention of gardeners who are 

 expected to supply abundance of Celery throughout the winter and 

 spring, for in such cases a large sample is not required, but quality 

 and continuance are of great importance. 



Earthing up is often performed in a rude way, as though the plant 

 were made of wood instead of the most delicate tissue. The first 

 earthing should be done with a trowel, and quite loosely, to allow 

 the heart of the plant room to expand. The result should be a 

 little ring of light earth scarcely pressing the outside leaves, and 

 leaving the whole plant as free as it was before. In the course of 

 ten days the earthing must be carried a stage further by means of the 

 spade. Chop the earth over, and lay it in heaps on each side of the 

 plant. Then gather a plant together with both hands, and liberate 

 one hand, and with it bring the earth to the plant half round the 

 base, and, changing hands, pack up the earth on the other side with 

 the other hand. Be careful not to press the soil very close ; also 

 avoid putting any crumbs into the heart of the plant ; and do not 

 earth higher than the tops of the leaves next the outside ones, 

 Rather less than that depth is desirable in this second earthing. The 

 centre of the plant should still be free to expand, and for the inmost 

 leaves to rise. In another ten days repeat this process, carrying 

 the earth a stage higher ; and in a week from this finish the opera- 

 tion. 



The top of the plant must now be closed, and the earth carefully 

 packed so high that only the very tops of the leaves are visible. 

 Finish to a proper slope with the spade, but not in a way to press 

 the plants unduly, the object being simply to obtain a final growth of 

 the innermost leaves in darkness, but otherwise free from restraint. 



It is a great point to keep Celery unhurt by frost far on in the 

 winter, and the advantage of growing the late crops on dry light soil, 

 and on the bed system, will be seen in the ease with which it can be 

 preserved. On heavy soil Celery soon suffers from frost, but not so 

 readily on a soil naturally light and dry. Moreover, the bed system 

 is convenient for the adoption of rough means of protection, with 

 whatever materials are at command. In heavy soil fine crops of 

 Celery for autumn use may be grown, but in consequence of the 

 liability of the plant to suffer by winter damp, it is advisable to plant 

 the late crops on the level, and earth up from the adjoining plots in 

 order to keep the roots dry in winter. Another step towards securing 



