CHAPTER VIII 



Irrigation 



IN its natural habitat the celery plant is found in 

 low, moist places, where there is an abundance of 

 moisture at the roots and freedom from flooding. 

 Celery will not thrive in sour, stagnant soil but 

 requires that the water with which it is supplied be 

 pure and that there should be free movement of the 

 moisture in the soil. An excess of moisture in any 

 soil will exclude the air, and without air in the 

 soil the plants will not thrive. Excessive watering 

 is detrimental and the chances of producing a good 

 crop are on the side of thorough cultivation in 

 connection with the natural rainfall, rather than 

 constant watering and neglect of cultivation. This 

 fact is demonstrated by the results of a rainy season 

 when proper cultivation is impossible and an infe- 

 rior crop is the result. Too many of our celery 

 growers attempt to force the growth of their plants 

 by frequent watering, and at the same time neglect- 

 ing cultivation. When necessary to irrigate, give 

 the land a thorough soaking and as soon afterward 

 as possible stir the surface soil to form a mulch and 

 continue to cultivate frequently until desirable to 

 apply more water. 



Sources of Water for Irrigation. The principal 

 sources of water for irrigation purposes in the celery 

 growing districts are lakes, rivers, small streams, 



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