132 VEGETABLE GROWING PROJECTS 



15. Irrigating. — In W : 122 it was pointed out that this shallow- 

 rooted plant must have a bountiful and constant supply of soil 

 moisture. For this reason many celery growers have found it 

 profitable to install irrigation systems. Various plans have been 

 employed, but the overhead methods have been most popular. 

 The distributing pipe lines are parallel, generally about fifty feet 

 apart, and supported above ground by wooden or iron posts. 

 Special nozzles are placed four feet apart in the distributing lines, 

 the latter being turned as may be required by means of levers at 

 the end of each line. With proper water pressure it is possible 

 to apply water uniformly over the entire area between the distrib- 

 uting lilies. Certain parts of the equipment that are protected 

 by patents, as drilling machines, nozzles, unions, and other special 

 equipment, may be obtained 'from the manufacturers, but the 

 galvanized pipe may be bought wherever it can be purchased 

 on the best terms. The manufacturers also furnish, free of charge, 

 bulletins giving complete instructions for the installation and 

 operation of the plants. Students who have access to a town or 

 city water supply, and who expect to grow celery for a number 

 of years, may be fully justified in installing the overhead system 

 in at least part of their garden. 



1. What are the main factors in an overhead irrigating plant f 



W-VG : 79-84. Catalogues. 



2. What would it cost you to the acre? Catalogues. 



3. Do you think it wouM pay you to install a plant? If so, why? 



16. Cultivating. — The most thorough and careful cultivation 

 should be given celery. Inasmuch as it is a shallow-rooted crop, 

 we must avoid injury of the root by not cultivating very deep 

 after the plants have attained a good growth. It is also important 

 not to throw any soil on the hearts of the young plants, W : 135. 



