What To Know
- Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to cultivate celery successfully.
- Blanching celery is a process that removes the bitterness and lightens the color of the stalks.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the stalks at the base of the plant.
Growing celery can be a rewarding endeavor that provides you with fresh, crisp, and flavorful stalks. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to cultivate celery successfully.
Choosing the Right Variety
The first step in growing celery is choosing the right variety. There are two main types:
- Green Celery: This is the most common type, known for its long, green stalks.
- Red Celery: This variety has reddish-purple stalks and a slightly sweeter flavor.
Preparing the Soil
Celery requires well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. To prepare the soil:
- Dig in plenty of organic matter, such as compost or manure.
- Add a balanced fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Ensure the soil is loose and free of weeds.
Starting Seeds Indoors
Celery is typically started indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date. To start seeds:
- Fill a seed tray with seed-starting mix.
- Sow the seeds thinly and cover them lightly with soil.
- Keep the soil moist and warm (65-70°F).
- Provide plenty of light using grow lights or a sunny window.
Transplanting Seedlings
When the seedlings have developed 3-4 true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted outdoors. To transplant:
- Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for a week.
- Dig holes in the prepared soil, spacing them 6-8 inches apart.
- Plant the seedlings at the same depth they were in the seed tray.
- Water the seedlings thoroughly.
Watering and Fertilizing
Celery needs consistent watering, especially during hot, dry weather. Water deeply at the base of the plants, avoiding overhead watering.
Fertilize the plants every 3-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Mulching
Mulching around the celery plants helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Use organic materials such as straw, hay, or wood chips.
Pest and Disease Control
Celery is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases, including:
- Aphids: Control with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Slugs: Use slug bait or create barriers around the plants.
- Blight: Treat with copper-based fungicides.
Blanching
Blanching celery is a process that removes the bitterness and lightens the color of the stalks. To blanch:
- Wrap the stalks loosely in newspaper or aluminum foil, leaving the tops exposed.
- Secure the wrapping with string or rubber bands.
- Check the stalks regularly and remove the wrapping when they are white or pale green.
Harvesting
Celery is ready to harvest when the stalks are firm and have reached their desired size. To harvest:
- Use a sharp knife to cut the stalks at the base of the plant.
- Leave the roots in the ground to grow new plants.
Finishing Up: Tips for Success
- Rotate celery crops every 3-4 years to prevent disease buildup.
- Companion plant celery with tomatoes, onions, or lettuce.
- Avoid planting celery in the same location where potatoes or tomatoes have been grown recently.
- Store celery in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
What You Need to Learn
- Q: Can I grow celery from store-bought stalks?
- A: Yes, but the success rate is low. The stalks may not produce viable seeds.
- Q: Why are my celery stalks turning brown?
- A: This could be due to sunburn, excessive heat, or lack of water.
- Q: How can I prevent celery from bolting?
- A: Keep the plants well-watered and avoid exposing them to high temperatures.
