|
Thursday, 24 February 2011
|
 Celery
Celery is one of those vegetables that never seems to go out of fashion, perhaps because of its versatility and its ability to be used in a wide range of dishes. This is an important crop both for private and market gardens, as it possesses a high food value.
Varieties and types:
The most popular variety of Celery is
Tall Utah Improved. It grows upto 60cm and produces lots of dark
green leaves and crunchy stalks.
When, where and how to plant:
Celery
can be planted out from August until March. Choose a well-drained
position in full sun. Soil must be well dug over prior toplanting.
Celery seed is tiny and can be challenging to germinate in the garden. If
you want to grow your own from seed, sow in trays and transplant once
seedlings are big enough. Sow very thinly, and press the seed into the soil. The seeds are slow to germinate and the seedlings are delicate.
Note that celery is one of the most sensitive crops
to water. If it dries out it will bolt and go to seed immediately.
Hence, it is always a good idea to add compost to the soil prior to
planting.
Plant in rows 30cm apart with 60cm between the rows if you are having more than one row.
Growing Guide:
Keep
well watered, but not soggy throughout the warm months. Apply general
fertiliser during the growing season to the side of the plants. Nitrogen in the form of nitrate of soda should not be given, for although it encourages great growth it can make the stems hollow and soft.
Harvest:
Cut once stalks reach 20-25cm long. You can either harvest the whole plant at once or gently cut of stalks, as you need them.
As soon as your plant starts to go to seed, the celery will taste bitter.
How to use:
Celery is used in weight-loss diets, where it provides low-calorie dietary fibre. Celery seeds are also a great source of calcium, and regarded as a good alternative to animal products. Celery can be used in sauces, soups, stir-fries or as a dipping vegetable. Not suitable to freeze.
 |
Grow your Own 
