Main points
- For a milder flavor and whiter stalks, you can blanch celery by covering the stalks with soil or a dark material as they grow.
- Store harvested celery in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- In milder climates, you can grow celery through the winter by starting seeds indoors in late summer or early fall and transplanting them into the garden in the fall.
Celery, with its crisp texture and refreshing flavor, is a beloved vegetable that adds a delightful crunch to salads, soups, and stews. But did you know that growing your own celery can be a rewarding and surprisingly simple endeavor? This guide will walk you through the process, from selecting the right seeds to harvesting your own delicious celery stalks.
Understanding Celery’s Needs: Soil, Sun, and Water
Celery thrives in cool, moist conditions, making it a perfect crop for early spring or late summer planting. Here’s a breakdown of its essential requirements:
- Soil: Celery prefers rich, fertile soil with good drainage. Amend your soil with compost or aged manure to improve its structure and nutrient content.
- Sunlight: While celery can tolerate partial shade, it produces the best results in full sun, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Water: Celery is a thirsty plant that needs consistent moisture. Water deeply and regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Choosing the Right Celery Seeds or Starts
You have two options when starting your celery journey: seeds or starts.
- Seeds: Celery seeds are readily available online or at garden centers. They are generally slow to germinate, taking 10-21 days to sprout.
- Starts: Celery starts are seedlings that have already been sprouted and are ready to be transplanted into your garden. They offer a faster way to get your celery growing.
Sowing Celery Seeds: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re starting from seeds, follow these steps:
1. Prepare the Seedbed: Prepare a seed tray or small pots filled with seed-starting mix.
2. Sow the Seeds: Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and space them about 1 inch apart.
3. Water and Cover: Gently water the seeds and cover the tray with plastic wrap to retain moisture.
4. Provide Warmth and Light: Keep the seed tray in a warm location (around 70°F) with indirect light.
5. Thinning: Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, thin them out to leave the strongest plants about 2 inches apart.
Transplanting Celery Starts: A Smooth Transition
If you’ve opted for celery starts, follow these steps:
1. Prepare the Garden Bed: Prepare a raised bed or garden area with loose, fertile soil.
2. Space the Starts: Space the celery starts about 12 inches apart in rows that are 18 inches apart.
3. Transplanting: Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of each start. Carefully remove the start from its container and gently place it in the hole. Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly.
4. Blanching (Optional): For a milder flavor and whiter stalks, you can blanch celery by covering the stalks with soil or a dark material as they grow.
Celery Care: Nurturing Your Crop to Success
Once your celery plants are established, follow these care tips:
- Watering: Water deeply and consistently, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
- Fertilizing: Feed your celery plants every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Weeding: Keep the garden bed weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
- Pest Control: Monitor your celery for pests like aphids, caterpillars, and slugs. Use organic methods like insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
Harvesting Your Homegrown Celery: A Taste of Success
Celery stalks are ready for harvest when they are firm and full-sized. Here’s how to harvest:
- Cut the Stalks: Use a sharp knife to cut the stalks about 1 inch above the ground.
- Store Properly: Store harvested celery in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Beyond the Basics: Tips for Advanced Celery Growers
For those looking to take their celery growing skills to the next level, consider these tips:
- Successive Planting: To ensure a continuous supply of fresh celery, plant a new batch of seeds or starts every 2-3 weeks.
- Winter Celery: In milder climates, you can grow celery through the winter by starting seeds indoors in late summer or early fall and transplanting them into the garden in the fall. Provide them with frost protection during the winter months.
- Companion Planting: Celery benefits from companion planting with carrots, onions, and lettuce. These plants help to deter pests and attract beneficial insects.
A Bountiful Harvest: The Rewards of Growing Celery
Growing your own celery is a rewarding endeavor that brings a sense of satisfaction and a delicious taste of fresh produce to your table. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy the crisp crunch of homegrown celery all season long.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I grow celery in containers?
A: Yes, you can grow celery in containers. Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter and ensure it has drainage holes.
Q: What are the signs of overwatering celery?
A: Yellowing leaves, wilting, and a musty smell from the soil are signs of overwatering.
Q: How do I prevent celery from bolting (going to seed)?
A: Bolting is often caused by hot weather. To prevent bolting, provide shade during the hottest part of the day and ensure the soil remains consistently moist.
Q: Can I save celery seeds for next year?
A: Yes, you can save celery seeds for next year. Allow the celery plants to flower and produce seed heads. Harvest the seeds when they are dry and brown.
Q: What are some interesting varieties of celery to try?
A: Consider trying varieties like ‘Utah’ (for its high yield), ‘Pascal’ (for its classic flavor), or ‘Golden Self-Blanching’ (for its golden stalks).
