Celery cold weather crop and so useful

Celery is versatile vegetable that can be eaten both raw and cooked. It can be used in salads, soups, casseroles and stir fries. Celery can be purchased rather inexpensive at the grocery store or grown in the garden. It is one of the earliest crops to grow in the garden as it likes cooler temperatures. It can also be planted and harvested in the fall after most garden crops are gone.  The USDA states that celery is the 10th grown crop for farmers markets. 

• celery seeds or seedlings
• manure
• compost
• peat moss
• lime
• fish emulsion
• mulch (optional)

Just like with many other vegetables, it is easier to grow your celery from seedlings than from seeds. Make sure that your soil is fed well with the compost,lime, manure and peat moss before planting your seedlings.

Apply some fertilizer when you plant your seedlings and every couple of weeks. Keep the area weeded, well watered and use mulch to help maintain moisture. Harvest stalks on demand by cutting it off the base, can store for a few months in a root cellar.

Celery was used in ancient times for medicinal and religious purposes. Greeks and Egyptians used celery to make garlands for funerals. It actually has medicinal use as celery extract can lower blood pressure in hypertensive people. It can also be used as a natural tooth whitener. 

Celery is perfect for stuffing. In fact I often believe that it was made to do just that enjoy this stuffing recipe of Cheese Stuffed Celery

1 lb cream cheese, at room temperature
2tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/3 cups walnuts, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoon onion salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 bunch celery , trimmed , separated in ribs , rinsed and leafy ends on

Mix with a mixer the cheese, milk and Worcestershire smooth (about 2 minutes) Mix in nuts,salt and pepper til blended.

Cut celery ribs in 3 inch pieces Fill each with 1 Tablespoon filling

Chill