Deming graphic. (Deming, N.M.) 1903-1948, 1913-03-18
BLANCHlNG CELERY

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be carefully looked after at the pro-
per time, for il is u process that
takes weeks to produce its results,
says Michigan Farmer. II properly
done the stocks will have been rid
of their green color and given crisp
texture.
There are different methods of
blanching this crop. The first of
these that we will mention may be-
called the earth blnnching method
and consists of banking earth against
the plants on each side, leaving only
the tips of the leaves above the ridge
of the row of soil. The soil is not
all piled up against the plants at one
time. To make the best job of il
20 about three times over the
rows. piling the dirt higher each
time. To do the work easiest,
three persons are required. Let one
stride the row. remove the dead
leaves, and lift the dropping stems,
while the other two. one on each side
of the row with shovel. throw dirt
against the plants a> they are held.
The first time over the earth can BE-
piled 10 within about six or eight
inches from the top of the celery.
The process should be repeated at llI
two weeks later when the leaves can
he more completely covered, and if
u third application of earth Is given,
il can be done after about another
such interval when only the ends of
the leaves need be- left exposed 10
the outside world Where grown com
mcrcially. machinery has been de
vi-cd To perform this operation, but
il j. NO, practicable for the small
grower to provide himself with it.
The second method. aud one that
now seems 10 be coming into popu-
larity more than any other, i where
boards are placed at the side of the
row To keep the suns rays from tn
stems. II is the cheapest and least
troublesome of any of the methods
Vet devised. Boards about ten inches
wide are required III sufficient num-
hers Ia reach the length of the celery
rows twice: also enough stakes Ia
be- driven on either side of the plants
nj distances of about six or eight
feet. unless clamps or some other
= scheme Is used H. hold the boards III
position, are needed. The boards can
, be- placed best by two persons. Size
: of each end of the piece to be placed
and pat the edge which is To be up
permost next Ia the base of the
b plants alongside the row and then
raise the edge straight upward and
| AT the same time pull the bottom
a edge in toward the roots of the
plants. The boards on each side of
i the row can be- placed in the same
way, when they can be secured by
driving the stakes into the ground
ID close Ia the boards. Another method
of fastening i to nail a short piece
across the top edges. thus bracing
each board against the other.
The other method herein referred
u To l. to surround the plant with tile
II or some similar protection. Four
i nch tile makes good size for the
10 purpose. ~ many will be needed II,
10 there are plants to blanch. Pull n,
u the leaves the same n described fol
II the dirt method aud then drop the til,
over. allowing il To rest on tn,
10 ground. One difficulty with this way
Il of blanching the crop is that the tile,
V are often too high for the plant,
:; when the blanching should begin
r This has been overcome by som,
p; growers in having tiles made in see
T. rionN. one of which can be put ON a
j. Il time, Another objection i tn,
l. trouble of storing and handling tn,
l. tiles. and brcakage often overbal
ancee any other advantage oifere,
l. 10y them over the board or dirt meth
j. cd. II should he stated that with boil
J. of the two latter methods the cart
IL can he thrown against the plants witt
j. culivalor fitted with large shovels
= or If the number of plants be smaI
'l they can easily be hilled with com
= mon hoe. after which the boards u
IL tiles can be placed.
The above discussion refer, NOR
particularly to the home supply g.
fall aud early winter That Used late
H. can be- banched mostly indoor.
'll Every reli>hcr Of celery who live
~ where y can be- grown should M
IT, want for stalk to satisfy his anpr
H. lite, and IN growing them he >houl
Is remember that blanching is one q
u the operations that make the Gro
or nllufoblp