Celery
(Apium graveolens). Hardy biennial, a native of Britain. Found in a wild state growing in wet ditches and marshy situations. This important and extremely popular vegetable requires, and well repays for, special attention in its cultivation. One of the most open and best positions in the garden should be selected for this crop, and the best farmyard manure that can be obtained should be dug into the trenches before planting. Another condition absolutely necessary is a plentiful supply of water throughout the growing period, withholding it as soon as the earthing up is completed. If this is neglected, the plants are more liable to "bolt," or prematurely run to seed. Medium-sized heads are generally much more solid than very large ones; consequently, they should be preferred, the latter being often hollow-stalked and useless for any purpose. Celery, when sent to table, should be quite solid and crisp, well blanched, and of a sweet, nutty flavour. A great deal depends on the earthing up and cultivation as well as the variety grown. The soil is best to be rather light, and, if possible, free from large lumps, as it can then be worked much easier round the stems without displacing them, and will at the same time exclude light better, and so hasten the blanching.