What To Know
- If you’re a Missouri resident eager to grow your own celery, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential tips and tricks to ensure a bountiful harvest.
- Sow the seeds thinly in a seed tray filled with a moist seed starting mix.
- By following these steps, you can cultivate a thriving celery patch that will provide you with an abundance of this versatile vegetable throughout the growing season.
Celery, an aromatic and versatile vegetable, is a welcome addition to any home garden. If you’re a Missouri resident eager to grow your own celery, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential tips and tricks to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Celery thrives in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Choose a location with ample sunlight and protection from strong winds. Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve fertility and drainage. The ideal pH range for celery is between 6.0 and 6.5.
Starting Seeds Indoors
Start celery seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date in Missouri. Sow the seeds thinly in a seed tray filled with a moist seed starting mix. Keep the soil warm (70-75°F) and provide adequate light.
Transplanting Seedlings
When seedlings develop their first set of true leaves, it’s time to transplant them into individual containers. Use a potting mix designed for vegetables and water deeply after transplanting. Gradually harden the seedlings off by exposing them to outdoor conditions for increasing periods of time.
Planting Outdoors
Transplant celery seedlings outdoors when they are 4-6 inches tall and all danger of frost has passed. Space the plants 6-8 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart. Water deeply after planting and mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Watering and Fertilizing
Celery requires consistent moisture throughout its growing season. Water the plants deeply and regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Fertilize celery every 3-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of stalk development.
Pest and Disease Control
Common pests of celery in Missouri include aphids, celery worms, and flea beetles. Control pests with organic or chemical methods, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Diseases such as leaf spot and bacterial blight can also affect celery. Practice good garden hygiene by removing infected plants and rotating crops to prevent disease spread.
Blanching
Blanching celery helps to produce tender, crisp stalks. When the celery plants are about 12 inches tall, wrap them loosely with aluminum foil or cardboard to exclude light. Blanching should take 2-3 weeks.
Harvesting
Celery is ready to harvest when the stalks are firm and have a good color. Cut the stalks at the base of the plant and wash them thoroughly before storing. Celery can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
In a nutshell: The Celery Success Formula
Growing celery in Missouri requires careful attention to soil preparation, watering, fertilizing, and pest control. By following these steps, you can cultivate a thriving celery patch that will provide you with an abundance of this versatile vegetable throughout the growing season.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: What is the best time to start celery seeds indoors in Missouri?
A: 8-10 weeks before the last frost date.
Q: How deep should I plant celery seedlings?
A: Up to the first set of true leaves.
Q: How often should I water celery plants?
A: Regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Q: What is the ideal pH range for growing celery?
A: 6.0 to 6.5.
Q: How long does it take to blanch celery?
A: 2-3 weeks.
