208 GARDEN PROFITS 



from the weather, yet a low temperature main- 

 tained by means of ventilation; I have left it in 

 the trenches where it was growing and have covered 

 it with dirt, leaves and litter. But where a lot of 

 celery is grown for winter use I prefer putting it 

 in outside trenches. I make one trench large 

 enough to accommodate the entire crop and 

 cover the celery with dirt, and later with leaves 

 and litter. 



The Celery Trench. A trench is staked out about 

 ten feet wide, as long as desired, and about eighteen 

 inches deep, the soil being thrown to one side until 

 needed again. I then lift the plants with a ball 

 of earth. Some growers shake the celery so as to 

 remove the dirt; this may be all right when the 

 crop is grown on a large scale for market, and 

 quantity not quality is the maxim. If you want 

 the best celery, leave the soil on the roots, and if 

 it is moist it will supply the celery with what little 

 moisture is required in the trench. Pack the 

 plants in the trench one row at a time, and just 

 far enough apart so that they don't touch each 

 other. Then if one head rots, it won't spoil the 

 adjoining ones. Cover the row with enough soil 

 to prevent the next row from coming in contact 

 with it. The soil used for covering should be 

 moderately dry. 



After throwing the soil on the row, firm it slightly 

 with the foot, place another row in position, and 

 so on until it has all been stored. Sprinkle the soil 

 over the plants on top, and give it an opportunity 

 to work its way down among the stalks. Don't 



