[whippersnapper]

Having failed to germinate seeds myself, I bought some lovely looking seedlings from a reputable nursey (thanks to Dundries nr. Cheltenham).

Put them in a well-manured bed today in a block formation with 9" spacing.

Knowing how troublesome they generally are (Dundries confirmed this) I now wonder if any experienced growers would have any advice on nurturing them over the coming months?

Thanks in anticipation

[shaun]

earth them up from the outside of the block wrapping paper around the stalks and keep them watered at all times,

[whippersnapper]

Thanks for this. I read about this earthing up on the perimeter. What's the reason? Just interested to know why! 

[gobs]

I hope you hardened them off well and they are not very little, but measures against slugs are handy anyways.

[shaun]

depends on what you want the celery for ?? for eating raw you need to block out the light to blanch them,if you dont they will be hard as a goats toe,ok for stews and soups though

[whippersnapper]

Ah! I perhaps didn't realise that although they're the self-blanching variety, they still need added protect from the light (which is what the perimter trenching does?).

Ta.

[whippersnapper]

I hope you hardened them off well and they are not very little, but measures against slugs are handy anyways.

Yep both of those are covered!

[sclarke624]

I do the self blanching type and do nothing extra to blanch them.  Family eats them raw as does 18month old grandson and they all seem to love it.  Don't eat it myself.  Without seeming to rub salt into the wound I have never had a prob with them germinating, so try again next year.   When grown from seed it reckons grow in a block and the outer celeries blanch the one on the inside of the block.  They all look the same colour as the ones in the supermarket these days a pale green.  Family also said it tasted like celery should, except for grandson of course who just screamed when tried to take it off him, maybe he was saying the same.  I use cut and come again rather than dig whole plant up.