CELERY 119 



ing the soil to dry out, will cause the frail stems 

 to rot just where they come through the soil. This 

 danger of damping-off may be avoided easily by 

 an even supply of moisture. Sub-watering has 

 been suggested, merely setting the trays in a 

 trough with an inch of water in the bottom. The 

 soil in the tray absorbs the water through the 

 drainage holes, thus providing plenty of water for 

 the roots and yet leaving the surface soil dry. 

 While the seedlings are young and fragile, water 

 may still be supplied by sprinkling through a 

 loosely woven cloth. This cloth should be re- 

 moved, between times, because fresh air and light 

 must also be provided, if the tender seedlings are 

 to become sturdy plants. Turn the tray about 

 once a day, before the window, to prevent them 

 from drawing towards the light; and, by this 

 means, keep them growing straight and sturdy. 



For the late crop for winter use, the seed may 

 be sown in trays like the early seed-bed or in the 

 hotbed or coldframe, or in the garden itself. The 

 weather will be favorable for out-door seeding by 

 the first of May in an average season in central 

 New York. By the time the seedlings appear, the 

 air will be sufficiently warm. Make the seed-bed 

 in a moist place in the garden. Have the soil finely 

 pulverized and uniform in texture; the surface 

 in perfect tilth. Shallow lines, not over % inch 

 deep, are then marked across the bed, far enough 

 apart for cultivating with a narrow hook or hoe. 



