228 THE SMALL COUNTRY PLACE 



any other crop that is off the land before the first of 

 August. It is often grown among onions, every fifth 

 row among this crop is omitted when the seed is sown 

 and later set with celery plants, or the seed is sown in 

 the row. Plants are generally started in the green- 

 house or frames, or sown in a sheltered place outside, 

 about the first of April. The seed is very fine and 

 requires only a very light covering, and the surface of 

 the bed must not become dry until the seedlings become 

 well rooted. This is prevented by covering the bed 

 with a sheet of cheesecloth, which prevents the soil 

 from being washed when watering, or by sifting over the 

 seed a thin covering of fine sphagnum moss. When the 

 seeds begin to germinate so as to slightly raise the cloth 

 it is removed and the bed kept shaded for a day or two 

 until the plants get well rooted. The seedling plants are 

 transplanted, when the third leaf appears, two or 

 three inches apart. 



For early market the plants are set in the field the 

 last of May or early June, and for the late crop they 

 may be set as late as August ist if the soil is rich and 

 moist. In extremely dry weather, frequent cultivation 

 must be given or water applied. Plants that are not 

 growing as desired may often be started into vigorous 

 growth by plowing a furrow away from each side, 

 scattering a little nitrate of soda or fine poultry drop- 

 pings into it and turning it back again. 



Celery is prepared for market by first blanching the 

 stalks. This is done in two ways by boards set up 

 against each side of the rows and held in place by 

 stakes, or by banking with soil. The latter method is 

 thought to produce a better quality, but is much more 

 expensive than the former. 



In banking with soil, the plants are grasped with both 

 hands and drawn closely together while some fine dirt 



