CELERY 125 



over a 10-inch strip on each side of the row. Bring 

 it close to the plants ; but do not allow a particle 

 to get into the delicate heart. After the plants 

 are all set and the mulch distributed, give the rows 

 of celery a thorough soaking through the mulch. 

 If a special mulch is not used, shallow tillage must 

 be followed from the time the plants are set until 

 blanching time. 



Provided celery has been started properly and 

 the plants are healthy and sturdy when finally set 

 in the permanent rows, the subsequent care is sim- 

 ple. To stimulate growth at first, a little addi- 

 tional nitrate of soda may be scattered along the 

 row, two or three times, at ten-day intervals. Dis- 

 solve this salt by a fine spray from the hose, wash- 

 ing it through the mulch and into the soil. Let 

 the stimulant be given when the plants are to be 

 watered. That is best done in the cool of the 

 morning, since cold water is used. As soon as 

 the surface begins to dry in the yard-wide strip 

 of bare soil between the mulched rows, tillage 

 must follow straightway. At the same time pull 

 the weeds in the mulch and along the row among 

 the plants. Celery must have plenty of water. 

 Unless the rainfall is regular and sufficient water 

 is thus provided, the rows should be thoroughly 

 soaked at least three times during the period of 

 greatest growth. As soon as the surface begins 

 to dry, follow it up with shallow tillage between 

 the mulch strips. As the plants approach ma- 



