"Growing celery"
Although it needs to be started off in a warm environment, celery will happily grow in a moderate climate as long as it isn't exposed to frost or extreme cold. It does need to be started off in a warm place though, to germinate and strengthen before putting out in the garden. Buy your seed from a reputable supplier Thompson and Morgan are well-established and their website makes buying seeds an enjoyable experience, although there are so many wonderful photos to browse you may need to get a cuppa before you start!
Prepare the ground outside by digging over and rake to a fine consistency. Remove any perennial weeds and large stones, and any non-organic debris. Dig in some well rotted manure earlier in the year for best results. Some types of celery are best grown in trenches so the plants may be earthed up later in the year. Although many varieties will successfully grow on flat ground. Either way choose a sunny spot. Put out the young plants when they are a few inches high and all danger of frost has passed. Plant in the middle of the trench, or in rows, and water in. Allow about 12 inches or 30cm between plants and a little more between rows so you have enough room to maintain them. Plants can be bought rather than starting off your own from seed if you prefer. It depends on the time you have and also the greenhouse or conservatory space you have available.
 Looking after your plants:
Never let plants dry out, they should be watered regularly, especially during long hot dry spells in the summer months. Keep weed-free.
For trench grown plants, earth up in the late summer. Some growers loosely tie the stalks together to prevent the outside stalks bending down and exposing the inner stalks. Try tying half your plants and leave the rest to see which works best for your variety. Check on the seed packet or growing instructions on ready grown plants for recommended care advice.
Plants grown at home don't tend to last as long as shop bought types, although this could be due to chemicals and intense commercial growing conditions. Keep in the salad compartment of the fridge for a few days if necessary although it's always best to cut and eat straight away when possible. Celery can usually stay in the ground up until just before the first frost, although again check on the growing recommendations for your region and the variety of celery you are growing.
 Late autumn and early winter celery makes wonderful soup. Wholesome, heart warming and very nutritious. ( And, I've heard it's been used as an aphrodisiac!!) Simply cook with a stock and maybe a finely chopped onion and potato - or any other veggies you have that will be compatible with the taste of celery. Or, head over to this page for a celery soup recipe..Garden Soup Recipes Happy Gardening! Grow Your Own Groceries: Producing your own food is not only rewarding but - in times of economic and environmental changes - increasingly a must! Nature provides everything the human body requires to thrive, and cultivating some of those natural products in your own back garden will not only produce the best food on the planet for you and your loved ones, it is also economical, environmentally friendly and more fun than shopping.
 Gardening is more than a hobby; it's a way of life. Even without a garden, many plants can be grown in containers, on a balcony, and indoors. Order it now direct from the publisher... Grow Your Own Groceries Herb Gardening: Herbs are becoming recognised more and more as superfoods, as if we didn't know that really! 'Herb Gardening' has been beautifully put together by the publisher (Crowood Press) into a well presented book with full colour photos.  Along with growing instructions for forty different herbs, there are lots of great ideas, including culinary delights and medicinal alternatives. You'll also find gardening advice as well as some ideas on planning a herb garden. Order it now direct from the
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Grow Your Own Pharmacy: If, like me, you want to be able to eat the best food on the planet, grow your own!  • Clear instructions on planning, planting, growing and harvesting the fruits, vegetables and herbs required for a healthy vitamin intake. • Recipes and menus to help incorporate the fruit and vegetables into your daily diet. Back to Garden Vegetables Back To Flower and Garden Tips Homepage Click here to subscribe to "Creative Gardening" - Your FREE monthly ezine! http://www.flower-and-garden-tips.com/celery.html |