VEGETABLE SEEDS 



Beckett's Seed Store, 101 and 103 Federal St., N. S., Pittsburgh, Pa. 



CELERY 



Celery can be grown in any garden soil, but the finest is produced. in 

 deep, mellow bottomland. Seed for early crops should be sown in hot- 

 beds about March 15. The plants may be either thinned to give them 

 room to grow, or transplanted to another bed to grow until it is time to 

 plant them in the open ground. For main crop, seed should be sown in 

 the open as soon as the soil and air are warm enough. They should be 

 covered lightly, and firmly pressed into the earth with a board, if the 

 soil is fine and mellow. The seed-bed must be kept free from weeds, and 

 well watered in dry weather. When the plants are large enough, trans- 

 plant them to shallow trenches or furrows, from 4 to 6 feet apart, accord- 

 ing to the variety grown, setting the plants 6 inches apart in the rows 

 and pressing the soil firmly around them. Blanching consists of drawing 

 earth up to the stalks at intervals of about two weeks, until all but the 

 tops of the plants are covered. Celery may be kept for winter use in 

 cellars, or in deep, narrow trenches, in a dry situation; the latter must 

 be covered with boards, with sufficient soil and manure on top to keep, 

 out the frost, leaving openings at short distances for ventilation in mild 

 weather. An ounce of seed will produce about 2,000 plants. 



BECKERT'S SELECT EASY BLANCHING 



This splendid Celery has come to the front very rapidly the last few years 

 Its outstanding characteristic is the remarkable ease with which it 

 blanches, while at the same time it is suitable both for early use and 

 for winter keeping — valuable qualities which recommend it strongly 

 to amateur as well as professional growers. In growth it somewhat 

 resembles the Golden Self-Blanching, having the same thick, healthy 

 stock and heavy heart. It is slightly taller, however, and a week to 

 ten days later, also much hardier and practically blight-proof. 

 The leaves are green and the stalks blanch white and britde, with a 

 rich flavor. We recommend Easy Blanching to those who have had 

 difficulty in growing Celery heretofore, in the assurance that their 

 crops will equal in quality and appearance Celery grown by experts. 

 Pkt. 20 cts., Y 2 oz. 85 cts., oz. $1.50, M lb. $4.50. 

 GOLDEN SELF-BLANCHING. Originator's Stock. One of the 

 finest early Celeries in cultivation. Semi-dwarf, vigorous in growth, 

 with large, ribbed and rounded stalks that blanch to a beautiful golden 

 yellow. Superior strain, entirely free from green and pithy plants. 

 Pkt. 15 cts., y 2 oz. 75 cts., oz. $1.25, % lb., $4.25. 

 EASY BLANCHING. An early variety of upright habit making 

 Blanching very easy, stalks thick and brittle. Pkt. 10 cts., }4 oz. 

 25 cts., oz. 45 cts., M lb. $1.35. 



GOLDEN SELF-BLANCHING. American Grown. As now per- 

 fected, this compares very favorably with the imported strains. The difference in price is certainly worth consideration. We feel that this 

 strain will meet all requirements of the home gardener, although the.utra-critical will want the original French-grown seeds. Pkt. 10 cts., 

 y 2 oz. 30 cts., oz. 50 cts., J£ lb. $1.50. _ | _ 



GOLDEN PLUME. This new Celery has made a sensation among the market-growers who have tried it. Closely resembles Golden Self- 

 blanching but matures a little earlier and blanches more readily. Moreover, it seems to be particularly resistant to Celery diseases. Has a 

 large solid heart which blanches to a beautiful yellow. Pkt. 25 cts., oz. $1.50, oz. $2.50. 

 "WHITE PLUME. Tall growing; extra-early. Easily blanched, and one of the very handsomest sorts grown. In large plants the stalks, 

 hearts, and inner leaves become white without any blanching. Pkt. 10 cts., oz. 50 cts., lb. $1.50. 



Golden Self-Blanching Celery 



THE WINTER KEEPERS 



'COLUMBIA. A quick-growing variety, of medium height and stocky. Stalks thick and rich yellow when blanched. Pkt. 10 cts. oz. 

 60 cts., H lb. $2.00. 



EMPEROR. A valuable new and distinct green Celery for winter use. Dwarf in habit, attaining a height of 15 to 18 inches. Stalks smooth 



and very thick. Blanches white with heart tinged yellow. In eating quality, it is absolutely unequalled, being unusually meaty and brittle 



with a very rich nutty flavor. Pkt. 10 cts., oz. 50 cts., lb. $1.75. 

 GIANT PASCAL. The stalks are broad, thick, and about 2 feet high; blanches quickly; rich nutty flavor; tender, crisp and stringless. An 



excellent market Celery. Pkt. 10 cts., oz. 50 cts., M lb. $1.50. 

 WINTER QUEEN. Of medium height and strong, robust growth; stalks thick and heavy, with numerous hearts; perfectly solid, rich and of 



delicious nutty flavor; a fine winter keeper. Pkt. 10 cts., oz. 50 cts., lb. $1.50. 

 STANDARD BEARER. A splendid red variety of compact and sturdy habit, robust growth and superior quality. The unique rich flavor of 



the red Celeries is highly appreciated by those who know it. Pkt. 15 cts., oz. 55 cts., oz. $1.00, lb. $2.75. 



CELERIAC, or TURNIP-ROOTED CELERY 



Sow in early spring; transplant the seedlings in May. They will be ready for cooking in October, and may be preserved in dry sand for 

 •use during winter. Celeriac is said to be as fine a nerve-tonic as celery, and can be grown in many sections where celery-culture is practically 



impossible. 



PRAGUE GIANT. The roots are large and smooth. When young, they are quite tender and marrow-like, having a very fine flavor and 

 cooking quickly. Pkt. 10 cts., oz. 40 cts., H lb. $1.00. 



Garden-making is not difficult, nor is it tedious, if you have the right kind of tools. You will find many handy tools offered 



on pages 84 to 88. 



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