Kitchen Garden Forum

Hi
Earlier in the year I bought 12 small celery plants which I duly planted. They are self blanching and look absolutely wonderful in the vegi patch. Lots of leaf etc. but the stalks are very thin and they are completely hollow. The plants I have pulled, one of which seemed to be going to seed, are completely unedible - hard and woody. They also seem to go limp almost within minutes of coming out of the ground. Any suggestions as to what errors I am making. They are in an open spot and have been well watered. This is my first try at growing celery.

Thanks

Hi Elizajane. Maybe the drought early summer, or the variety, doesn't sound like you did anything wrong. Work plenty of organic matter into your soil which will add humus, humus helps to retain moisture,
You say there's lots of leaf, chop top stalks and leaves and added to vegetable soups. Try braising the stalks, in stock or wine, that might tenderise them. Better luck next year.

Thanks very much for your reply. I did water fairly vigorously throughout the drought but notice my squash which are planted close by are only now deciding to fruit - too late I am afraid for this year. So perhaps it was the excessive warmth this year.

I've had the same problem as you with rather pathetic thin stalks on celery even though I've dug tons of manure and compost into the planting area beforehand and never letting it dry out. It has been the same in wet years and dry years, so can't help you with advice.

I still keep trying it in different parts of the garden hoping for more success. Another problem is slugs who love the rich moist conditions too.

Hope you have more success next year.

Thanks Plum Pudding. Nice to know I am not the only one. Rather disappointed as I was looking forward to eating my own celery which looks delicious in the garden!