CHAPTER III 



Preparation of Land 



As a rule, comparatively new land is selected for 

 celery growing, and it is necessary to first remove 

 all trees, stumps, and other obstructions to plowing 

 and cultivation. 



Drainage. — While celery requires a large amount 

 of moisture for its growth, there is no crop that 

 will be injured more quickly by excessive water 

 and sour soil ; for this reason it is necessary to 

 secure good drainage. The drainage may be ac- 

 complished by means of open ditches or by tile 

 drains, provided the character of the soil is such 

 that the tiles will not become filled with silt within 

 a short time. 



In some cases the drainage and irrigation systems 

 may be combined in one. Where the open ditch 

 system of drainage is employed, the laterals should 

 not be at greater intervals than 300 feet, 

 and much closer in most soils. The lateral ditches 

 should drain into a main ditch having a greater 

 depth and capacity in order to carry off the sur- 

 plus water during heavy rains. Tile drains should 

 be placed at a distance not greater than 6 rods 

 apart ; 3 rods will give the better results. All open 

 ditches should be constructed with gently sloping 

 sides, and the earth worked well back from the 

 sides of the ditch, in order that the surface water 



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