210 PRACTICAL STUDY OF GARDENING 



times grown from seed sown where the crop is to mature, 

 and late cauliflower and celery may be started in care- 

 fully prepared seed beds in the open, thus obviating the 

 labor involved in the care of a hot-bed. 



There is a tendency for some gardeners to leave the 

 plants of carrots, onions, and similar vegetables too thick, 

 or to defer the thinning too long, with the intention of 

 making use of the thinnings. Usually this is a serious 

 error, except in the case of beets, which can be used quite 

 young for greens. The crowded seedlings do not reach 

 edible size as soon as they would if not crowded; and 

 the removal of part of the crowded plants when they are 

 wanted for the table is likely to seriously disturb and im- 

 pair the growth of those which remain. A better plan is 

 to make at least a preliminary thinning as early as possi- 

 ble, leaving the plants perhaps twice as thick as they are 

 eventually to stand ; and then to pull out every other plant 

 after they reach edible size. This method of thinning is 

 especially adapted to beets, carrots, lettuce and onions. 

 The other root crops, like parsnips and salsify, should 

 be thinned to the full distance at the first thinning. 



Celery is an exceedingly profitable crop and one can 

 make it pay either by starting with seed or procuring 

 plants. The latter may be set out in July or August after 

 some other crop has been raised on the ground. 



The best location for celery is a moist, cool spot, of 

 rich loamy soil protected from the wind. Enrich the soil 

 heavily with well-rotted stable manure. Give deep plow- 

 ing and cultivate thoroughly, in order to have the ground 

 mellow at the time of transplanting. 



Setting plants in furrows, in trenches and on the level 

 surface are methods employed by various growers. Good 

 results have been attained in the following way: Mark 

 off rows four feet apart and furrow with stirring plow, 

 turning the ridges in the same direction. Set the plants 

 six inches apart in the side of the furrow next the ridge 



