Storage of stalked celery: in a container or in a garden
How disappointing when improper storage of the petiole celery destroys a rich harvest in an instant. Therefore, the goal of the farmer is not only to grow the crop, but also to harvest it correctly, and then take care of it.
When is the best time to start harvesting? Of course, before the frost starts. Buckwheat will help to determine them if the gardener uses it as a sederate. It, like a litmus test, changes its color when the temperature drops. If the foliage has turned a little yellow overnight, then it's time to harvest.
Unlike its relative, root celery, petiolate is more sensitive to fluctuations in moisture, as well as cold weather. This is especially true for self-bleaching varieties, which are not too buried in the ground and mulching material does not hide. They are harvested in early September.
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Storing stalked celery in a basement or cellar
Overexposure of plants in the garden is not recommended. This issue should be guided by the terms indicated on the packet. Otherwise, the petioles become rough and fibrous. Among other things, they lose their juiciness as well as their unsurpassed taste. In this case, it is better to collect part of the crop in this way:
- dig up the bushes along with the rhizomes;
- fill the container with sand (peat can also be used);
- cut off part of the root system;
- plant the culture in a container;
- water evenly, but so that the plants do not start to rot;
- cut off all the leaves, as a result, they will not pull juices from the petioles, and they will retain their fleshiness;
- Cover the drawer with an opaque bag to help enhance the whitening effect.
Cut greens are dried or frozen. Some people like the salted version. Others squeeze juice from the foliage.
You can postpone cleaning of bleached celery using opaque paper. It is enough just to wrap the stems with it. Such specimens can stand up to 3 weeks.
Why not a refrigerator?
A cellar or basement is suitable for storing stalked celery. However, until the cold days come, you can keep it in a greenhouse. It will stay there for about 30 days. For the next 2-3 months, he is sent to a warmer room. Some gardeners keep it in the refrigerator:
- carefully cut the roots from the sockets;
- rinsed thoroughly;
- dried on a towel;
- remove foliage.
Next, wrap the bundle with a paper towel and put it in a plastic bag. In other cases, use foil or cling film. In this state, he can be about a month.
What to do with the crop in the garden?
To keep the remaining bushes in your garden, you need to build a special shelter. This method will allow you to eat fresh herbs and juicy stems for a short time. They make such a hut in a simple way:
- made of flexible metal, they put impromptu arcs along the bed;
- cover with cellophane;
- fixed with clothespins.
As soon as the thermometer drops to zero, storing the stalked celery in the ground is stopped. Therefore, they begin to procure it for the winter. Of course, frozen greens cannot be used to make fragrant salad, but the dried leaves will serve as an excellent seasoning for meat dishes.