of the essence Information
grow your own Apium graveolens dulce offer a rewarding experience , providing you with fresh , nutrient - deep produce directly from your garden . This comprehensive guidebook will equip you with all the indispensable knowledge and techniques tosuccessfully cultivateyour own celery , empowering you to savor the satisfaction of harvesting your own crisp , flavorsome stalks .
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Celery boom in well - drained , fertile soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 . Choose a locating thatreceives ample sunlight , as celery needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . organise the soil by till it to a profundity of 12 inches andadding organic mattersuch as compost or manure to improve drain and natality .
Starting Celery from Seeds
depart cultivated celery seed indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last Robert Frost . Sow theseeds thinlyin a seed - start mix and keep them moist . bring home the bacon bottom oestrus by placing the seed tray on a heating gym mat or in a warm spot . Once theseedlings emerge , provide them with bright light and step by step trim the temperature .
Transplanting Celery Seedlings
When the seedling have developed 3 - 4true leaves , they are ready to betransplanted alfresco . Harden off the seedling by gradually peril them to outdoor stipulation for a few hour each 24-hour interval . Dig holes 12 inch apart and set the seedlings 6 inches mysterious . Water the plants well and mulch around them to retain wet .
Watering and Fertilizing Celery
Celery is aheavy feederand want ordered moisture . water supply the industrial plant deeply and regularly , especially during red-hot , dry weather . feed the plants every 2 - 3 weeks with a balanced fertiliser . annul over - fertilizing , as this can head to bitter - taste celery .
Pest and Disease Control
Celery is susceptible to pests such as aphid , celery leafminers , and slugs . controller pests by using insecticidal Georgia home boy or neem oil . Diseases that mayaffect Apium graveolens dulce let in other blight , late blight , and fusarium wilt disease . praxis harvest rotation and remove infected plant to preclude disease spread .
Blanching Celery
Blanching celery improve its flavor and tenderness . Toblanch Apium graveolens dulce , roll the stalk with newspaper publisher or composition board 2 - 3 weeks before harvest . This process block sunlight and advance the stalks to formulate apaler colorand a milder flavor .
Harvesting Celery
Celery is quick to harvest when the stalk are immobile and have reached theirdesired size . Use asharp knifeto cut the chaff at the Qaeda of the plant . Harvest Apium graveolens dulce in the morning when the stalks are cool and terse .
Preserving Celery
Store celery in the icebox for up to 2 workweek . wind the stalk in damp composition towels and set them in anairtight container . you could alsofreeze celeryby pale it first and then cutting it into pieces . Frozen cultivated celery can be stored for up to 6 months .
The Culinary Delights of Celery
Celery is aversatile vegetablethat can beenjoyed new , cooked , or juiced . It adds a refreshing compaction to salads , soups , and sweat . Celery is also agood sourceof vitamins , mineral , and antioxidants .
What You Need to Learn
Q : Can Igrow celeryin containers?A : Yes , celery can be grown in containers , but it is important to prefer a container that is at least 12inches deepand has drainage holes . Q : Why are my celery stalks bitter?A : cultivated celery stalkscan become bitter due to over - fertilise , drouth stress , or exposure to high temperatures . Q : How do Iprevent celeryfrom bolting?A : bolt out occurswhen cultivated celery prematurely produces flowers and seeds . To prevent bolt , supply celery withconsistent moistureand avoid let out it to high temperatures . Q : Can Isave celery seedsfrom my own plants?A : Yes , you cansave cultivated celery seedsfrom your own plants , but it is important to note that the seeds may not be true to typecast . Q : How do I deal with aphids on my celery plants?A : Aphids can be control by usinginsecticidal soaporneem vegetable oil . Spray the plant thoroughly and reprise the applications programme as needed .