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Celery
In storing celery in a
pit or trench, the plants are set side by side as close as they may be
packed and wide boards set up along the outside edges of the pt. Dirt is
banked up against these boards and the top covered with corn fodder or
similar covering. If celery is kept in the row where grown the earth should
be banked around the plants with the approach of cold weather. For freezing
weather bring the dirt to the tops of the plants and cover the ridge with
coarse manure, straw or fodder, using stakes or boards to hold the covering
in place. Only late maturing and late planted celery can be safely stored
Fig. 9*––This shows celery set into an
outdoor pit or trench for storage. Boards should be placed along the edges
of the pit or trench and dirt banked against these boards. The tops of the
celery should be covered with corn fodder, straw or similar covering. The
celery may be removed easily at any time.
A hotbed,
instructions for the making of which are given on page
7 (Fig. 2), in Part I
of this booklet, makes an excellent place for outdoor storage for celery.
The surplus earth and manure should be removed and a board covering should
be substituted for the sash and glass. Store the celery in the same manner
as in pit storage. For protection from cold use any covering that will
prevent freezing.
Celery should not be stored with turnips or cabbage. It
will absorb odors from these vegetables and its flavor will be impaired.
Fig. 4––For squashes, sweet potatoes and pumpkins shelves
near furnace afford good storage. |
OUTDOOR CELLAR
Beets
Potatoes
Carrots Turnips
Parsnips Salsify
Cabbage
An outdoor cellar makes a good storage
place. In cold climates this should be partially underground. A side-hill
location is desirable for ease in handling the vegetables. To make such a
cellar dig an excavation and in this erect a frame by setting posts in rows
near the dirt walls. Saw these posts off at uniform height and place plates
on their tops. On these plates place rafters. Board up completely with the
exception of a place for the door. The whole should be covered with dirt and
sod, and in cold climates added protection should be given by a layer of
straw, fodder or similar material. Ventilate with a flue. A dirt floor is
best, as some moisture is desirable. This form of storage is especially good
for the joint use of several families.
On a more pretentious scale cellars of this nature may
be made of brick, stone or concrete. Such cellars afford practically perfect
storage room for potatoes, carrots, cabbages, parsnips, beets, turnips and
salsify.
VARIOUS METHODS
Permanent cold frames, with deep pits, may also
be used to advantage in storing vegetables if the drainage is made thorough.
After the frames are filled the sash should be covered with boards and the
outside banked with soil or manure. As the weather becomes severe a covering
of straw or mats is necessary. This covering should be heavy enough to
prevent freezing.
Cauliflower and Brussels Sprouts which have not matured
may be taken up and planted in shallow boxes of soil in a light place in the
cellar. If kept well watered they will mature for winter use. |
