128 GARDEN PROFITS 



of water at least once a day. The first sowings 

 will be ready for the trenches, or cultivation on 

 the level, about July i. 



Dig trenches fifteen inches wide and eight inches 

 deep and four feet apart. Put about four inches 

 of good cow manure in the bottom, treading it 

 down firmly with the feet. Add about two inches 

 of soil to plant in, so that the roots do not come 

 in contact with the manure. When ready for 

 planting, secure a good ball of earth with each 

 plant and set them in double rows (which are 

 about ten inches apart) and six inches apart in the 

 row. Set firmly, taking care not to bury the 

 heart. The best time to plant celery, unless the 

 day be dull or there is a sign of rain, is in the after- 

 noon from three o'clock, as the sun is then not so 

 strong. From this on, the celery should be con- 

 stantly watched, kept free from weeds and watered 

 thoroughly and frequently if the weather is dry. 

 For celery which is wanted for early use, earthing 

 up is necessary about the middle of August. Pull 

 the soil up to the plants with a hoe, breaking all 

 lumps, gather the leaf-stalks tightly together with 

 the left hand and press the soil closely around them 

 with the right hand, using care to prevent the soil 

 from falling into the heart of the plant, and thereby 

 rotting it. Two earthings will suffice for White 

 Plume and Fin de Siecle, then hemlock boards may 

 be placed on edge on each side of the row and sup- 

 ported with stakes. This will help to blanch and 

 whiten the celery. In this manner, White Plume 

 will be ready for use September 15, Fin de Siecle 



