During
some mild, clear day in early November I have a trench ten inches
wide dug nearly as deep as the celery is tall. This trench is dug
on a warm dry slope, so that by no possibility can water gather in
it. Then the plants are taken up carefully and stored in the
trench, the roots on the bottom, the plants upright as they grew,
and pressed closely together so as to occupy all the space in the
excavation. The foliage rises a little above the surface, which is
earthed up about four inches, so that water will be shed on either
side. Still enough of the leaves are left in the light to permit
all the breathing necessary; for plants breathe as truly as we do.
As long as the weather keeps mild, this is all that is needed; but
there is no certainty now. A hard black frost may come any night.
I advise that an abundance of leaves or straw be gathered near.
When a bleak November day promises a black frost at night, scatter
the leaves, etc., thickly over the trenched celery, and do not
take them off until the mercury rises above freezing-point. If a
warm spell sets in, expose the foliage to the air again. But watch
your treasure vigilantly. Winter is near, and soon you must have
enough covering over your trench to keep out the frost--a foot or
more of leaves, straw, or some clean litter.
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