Summary
- Once the seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them to the strongest plant in each cell or pot.
- Gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day, increasing the time gradually over a week.
- For green celery, you can achieve a blanched look by wrapping the stalks in a dark material, such as newspaper or cardboard.
If you’re looking for a fresh, crisp addition to your garden and your meals, growing your own celery is a rewarding endeavor. This guide will walk you through the essential steps of how to grow celery in the ground, from seed selection to harvesting those satisfying stalks.
Choosing the Right Celery Variety
The first step to growing successful celery is selecting the right variety. There are two main types of celery:
- Self-blanching celery: These varieties have tightly packed stalks that naturally blanch (turn white) as they grow. They require less work to achieve the classic celery color.
- Green celery: These varieties have green stalks that don’t blanch naturally. While they require more work to achieve the blanched look, they offer a more intense flavor.
Popular celery varieties include:
- Utah 52-40: A self-blanching variety known for its high yields and disease resistance.
- Pascal: A classic self-blanching variety with a sweet flavor.
- Golden Self-Blanching: A self-blanching variety with golden-colored stalks.
- Emerald Giant: A green celery variety with large, flavorful stalks.
Consider your climate and personal preferences when choosing a variety. Self-blanching varieties are generally easier to grow, while green varieties offer a more intense flavor.
Preparing Your Garden Bed for Celery
Celery thrives in rich, well-drained soil with a neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Here’s how to prepare your garden bed:
1. Choose a sunny spot: Celery needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
2. Amend the soil: Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve drainage and fertility.
3. Test the pH: If your soil is too acidic, add lime. If it’s too alkaline, add sulfur.
4. Till the soil: Work the soil to a depth of 12 inches to loosen it up and remove any clumps.
Sowing Celery Seeds
Celery seeds are tiny and slow to germinate, so it’s best to start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Here’s how:
1. Fill seed trays or pots: Use a seed starting mix and fill the containers almost to the top.
2. Sow the seeds: Scatter the seeds thinly on the surface of the soil, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart.
3. Cover with soil: Lightly sprinkle a thin layer of soil over the seeds.
4. Water gently: Mist the soil with water to keep it moist.
5. Provide warmth: Place the trays in a warm, sunny location. A heat mat can help speed up germination.
6. Maintain moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
7. Thin seedlings: Once the seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them to the strongest plant in each cell or pot.
Transplanting Celery Seedlings
Once your celery seedlings have developed 4-6 true leaves, it’s time to transplant them to the garden.
1. Harden off seedlings: Gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day, increasing the time gradually over a week.
2. Prepare the planting holes: Dig holes about 12 inches apart and 6 inches deep.
3. Transplant seedlings: Gently remove the seedlings from their containers, being careful not to disturb the roots. Place them in the planting holes, making sure the root ball is level with the soil surface.
4. Water thoroughly: Water the seedlings well after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Caring for Celery Plants
Once your celery is in the ground, regular care is essential for healthy growth and a bountiful harvest.
- Watering: Celery needs consistent moisture. Water deeply and regularly, especially during hot weather. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilizing: Celery is a heavy feeder. Apply a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks, following the directions on the package.
- Blanching: If you’re growing self-blanching celery, you can encourage blanching by hilling up soil around the base of the stalks. This will exclude light and promote white stalks. For green celery, you can achieve a blanched look by wrapping the stalks in a dark material, such as newspaper or cardboard.
Harvesting Celery
Celery is typically ready for harvest 80-100 days after planting. Here’s how to harvest your celery:
1. Check for maturity: The stalks should be firm and crisp.
2. Cut the stalks: Use a sharp knife to cut the stalks about 1 inch above the soil line.
3. Store celery: Refrigerate celery in a plastic bag or wrap it in damp paper towels to keep it fresh.
Enjoying the Fruits (or Stalks) of Your Labor
Growing your own celery is a rewarding experience. You’ll enjoy the satisfaction of knowing exactly where your food comes from, and you’ll be able to savor the fresh, crisp flavor of homegrown celery.
Beyond the Harvest: Tips for Success in the Next Season
- Rotate crops: To prevent soilborne diseases, rotate your celery crop with other vegetables each year.
- Save seeds: If you’re happy with the variety you’ve grown, you can save seeds from your celery plants for the next season.
- Experiment with different varieties: Try growing different celery varieties to discover your favorites.
Popular Questions
Q: Can I grow celery in pots?
A: Yes, you can grow celery in pots, but you’ll need a large pot (at least 12 inches in diameter) to accommodate the deep root system.
Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect celery?
A: Celery can be susceptible to pests like aphids, slugs, and snails. Diseases include celery leaf spot, early blight, and aster yellows.
Q: What are some tips for preventing celery from bolting (going to seed)?
A: Keep the soil consistently moist, avoid excessive heat, and harvest the stalks before they reach maturity.
Q: How can I tell if my celery is ready to harvest?
A: The stalks should be firm and crisp. If the stalks are soft or have started to turn yellow, they’re probably past their prime.
Q: What are some creative ways to use celery in the kitchen?
A: Celery is a versatile vegetable that can be used in salads, soups, stews, stir-fries, and even smoothies. You can also use celery to make celery salt, celery juice, or celery sticks with peanut butter.
