Page:The family kitchen gardener - containing plain and accurate descriptions of all the different species and varieties of culinary vegetables (IA familykitchengar56buis).pdf/51

 they may be planted into the trenches, at the distance of four or five inches apart; after which, give the whole a good soaking of water, and shade from the sun for a few days. Their after-culture, is to stir the soil frequently, with a small hoe, and giving a copious supply of water in continued dry weather. About the middle of August, or first of September, tie the leaves together, or hold them tight with one hand, while with the other the earth is carefully drawn up round the stems, but not so high as to allow the earth to get into the centre of the plant, which causes it to rot or rust. The soil for this purpose has to be broken, and well pulverized with the spade. If the weather be dry and hot, Celery should not be earthed up so early in such case, a row for early use may be blanched, by placing a board on each side, and throwing the earth along the bottom edge of the board, to prevent the air from getting under. By this means it can be very well blanched, and ready for the table by the middle of September. I am aware that writers on the subject say, “earth it up every few days as it continues to grow;” but with such a practice in warm weather, it will not grow long, but rot off and decay. About the first of October, earthing up may proceed without injury; but let it be done firmly and evenly, and in a sloping direction, from the base to nearly the top of the leaves. In that state, it will remain sound for a long time. If continued frost be apprehended, dry litter should be spread over the plants, and a quantity lifted and laid in a bed of sand or earth in the vegetable cellar, in which it will keep fresh for several weeks.

When planting, it is a very convenient method to mix both Red and White together: you will thus obtain both sorts in use, from the opening of one trench. Large fields of Celery can be pretty successfully cultivated with the plough, for supplying the market. It is a crop that generally makes a good return to the grower.