Topic: Celery

[RSJK]

Could any one tell me if it is still possable to grow celery which is not self blanching.  And if so which is the best variety to grow and how do l go about it    ::) ::)

[Mimi]

Richard how can anyone think of celery while your belly dancing :D :D

[RSJK]

:P :-*
just glad l am not that fit mimi

         8)

[Plantsman.]

Richard,

Soil, ordinary, richly manured.  Prepare trenches in moist site, where possible running north and south,  120cm apart and 38cm wide and 30cm deep for single row, or 45cm wide for double row.  Sow seed in light soil, covering very thinly, in temp. 18-24C in February, for early crop, March, in similar temp., for main crop, or in cold frame in April.  Seedlings in first two cases to be transplanted 5cm apart in light soil in boxes, kept in temp. 13-18C for a few weeks, then planted 15cm apart in shady bed outdoors till required for planting in trenches.  Plant beginning of June forl early crop; end of June or july for main crop.  Distance apart for plants 20cm for single row , and 15cm between rows for double row.  Water and feed liberally until earthed up to ensure crisp and solid hearts.  Earth up gradually from Sept. to Nov. in fine weather only, keeping soil out of heart, and finaly earthing up to base of leaves.  Lift as required.  Protect with bracken of other dry material during winter.

As for varieties, I would go by what is available in the catalogue that you usually use for your vege seeds, your local seed shop or what neigbouring allotment gardeners grow.
It is a crop that I haven't grown for a few years now.

[tim]

Yes!
But one has to think timing. Whereas s/b matures in August, 'trench'  is late Sep to Dec. Then you have the choice of golden (s/b), green (trench & s/b), pink, white or 'red'.
S/b worked quite well with us - grown in a block. But it does need a lot of water.
Dammit -  you've prompted me to have a go at the 'trench' stuff this year. I shall try Marshall's Fenlander. Daughter won't eat green!  Must get some muck in = Tim

[RSJK]

Thank you for your replys very nice of you  :) , and sorry tim for making work for you

[cleo]

And if you are lazy like me make a surround of bricks or breeze blocks(saves digging a trench) and fill gradually throgh the season.

I find it one of the hardest crops to grow well though.

Stephan.

[tim]

- must try that! Like carrots. = Tim