CHAPTER XV 



CELERY AND CELERIAC 



/CELERY. The plants of both the early 

 V^/ and late varieties of celery are started 

 from seed sown in flats or in the hotbed three 

 months before setting out. Before sowing the 

 seed, sift a little fine soil and sand over the sur- 

 face, scatter the seed and again sift enough of 

 the same kind of soil to cover the celery seed 

 about its own depth. Press down the soil 

 (Fig. 19) and cover the celery seed bed with 

 glass. The seed germinates slowly. As soon 

 as the seedlings appear, remove the covering 

 and give the plants light. The soil should be 

 kept moist. After the plants reach a height of 

 from one to one and one-half inches, transplant 

 two by two inches each way in a rich soil. Se- 

 lect the thrifty seedlings. Nothing is gained 



195 



