1 62 AROUND THE YEAR IN THE GARDEN 



Trim the Roots 



As the celery plants are received, or as they are lifted 

 from the seed bed or flat, the roots are too long and should 

 be well trimmed before setting. Do not be afraid of in- 

 juring the plants by this root pruning. Long roots that 

 can easily be bent or broken are either dead or so much 

 injured that they are of no use to the plants. The trimmed 

 roots are not only easier to handle, but they also induce the 

 formation of small side roots that help to estabhsh the plants 

 quickly in their new quarters. Trimming back the top 

 saves work in planting and lessens the loss of water to the 

 plant through transpiration — so that the curtailed root 

 system is able to keep up with the demands of the plant, 

 and wilting is reduced. 



In buying plants, strain as well as variety is important. 

 Celery seed, even of the same variety, differs greatly in its 

 ability to produce sohd, meaty stalks. The hollow hearts, 

 which celery growers try to avoid, are usually the result of 

 inferior seed. As to varieties, White Plume gives the 

 earhest results and is the easiest to plant. It is not so large 

 nor so crisp and nutty in flavor as some of the later sorts. 

 Golden Self-Blanching is a universal favorite. It blanches 

 readily, though not so easily as White Plume. The stalks 

 are thicker and stockier. Winter Queen and Evans' Tri- 

 umph, which are similar, are of medium size and form 

 thick, stocky stalks; they are more easily blanched and 

 handled than the old, tall-growing varieties. Emperor and 

 Easy Blanching both make thick and meaty stalks and will 

 undoubtedly become widely used, especially in private 

 gardens, as they become better known. If there is room 

 to grow but one variety Golden Self -Blanching wiU be found 

 satisfactory. If two can be used try White Plume or Golden 

 Self-Blanching for early use, and Winter Queen or one of the 

 other new sorts for fall and winter. 



After planting, celery will require little care for several 

 weeks except to keep it thoroughly cultivated and growing 



