What To Know
- Then, use a sharp knife to cut the bottom inch or two of the stalk off, leaving a clean, even cut.
- Ensure that the bottom inch or two of the stalk is submerged in the water.
- The hole should be deep enough to accommodate the roots of the celery stalks and wide enough to allow the roots to spread out.
Are you tired of paying exorbitant prices for a bunch of celery at the supermarket? Do you dream of fresh, homegrown celery straight from your garden? Well, you’re in luck! You can actually grow your own celery from supermarket stalks, and it’s surprisingly easy. This blog post will guide you through the entire process, from selecting the perfect stalks to harvesting your own delicious celery.
Selecting the Right Celery Stalks
The first step to growing celery from supermarket stalks is to choose the right ones. Look for stalks that are firm, crisp, and free of blemishes. Avoid stalks that are wilted, yellowed, or have soft spots. The best stalks for propagation are those with a healthy green color and a good amount of foliage.
Preparing the Stalks
Once you have your chosen stalks, it’s time to prepare them for planting. This involves removing the leafy tops and trimming the bottom ends. To remove the leafy tops, simply cut them off about an inch above the base of the stalk. Then, use a sharp knife to cut the bottom inch or two of the stalk off, leaving a clean, even cut.
Starting the Celery Seeds
Now, you have two options: you can either start your celery seeds indoors or directly in your garden.
Starting Celery Seeds Indoors:
- Fill seed trays with seed starting mix: Moisten the mix thoroughly and sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart.
- Cover the trays with plastic wrap: This helps to create a humid environment and keeps the soil moist.
- Place the trays in a warm location: Ideal temperatures are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Keep the soil moist: Water the seedlings regularly, but avoid overwatering.
- Thin the seedlings: Once the seedlings have a couple of true leaves, thin them out to give them enough room to grow.
Starting Celery Seeds Directly in the Garden:
- Prepare the soil: Celery thrives in loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Amend your soil with compost or aged manure to improve its fertility.
- Sow the seeds: Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart.
- Water the seeds: Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Thin the seedlings: Once the seedlings have a couple of true leaves, thin them out to give them enough room to grow.
Planting the Celery Stalks in Water
This is a simple and effective method for starting your celery stalks.
- Fill a glass or jar with water: Make sure the water is clean and fresh.
- Place the celery stalks in the water: Ensure that the bottom inch or two of the stalk is submerged in the water.
- Change the water every day: This helps to prevent the water from becoming stagnant and encourages root growth.
- Place the jar in a bright location: Indirect sunlight is ideal.
After a few weeks, you should start to see roots developing from the bottom of the celery stalks. Once the roots are about two inches long, you can transplant the stalks into your garden or into a larger pot.
Transplanting the Celery Stalks
Once your celery stalks have developed roots, it’s time to transplant them into your garden or a pot.
Transplanting into the Garden:
- Choose a sunny location: Celery prefers a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
- Dig a hole: The hole should be deep enough to accommodate the roots of the celery stalks and wide enough to allow the roots to spread out.
- Place the celery stalks in the hole: Make sure that the roots are spread out and not bunched up.
- Backfill the hole with soil: Firm the soil gently around the celery stalks.
- Water the celery stalks: Water thoroughly to help the roots settle in.
Transplanting into a Pot:
- Choose a pot: The pot should be at least 12 inches in diameter and have drainage holes.
- Fill the pot with potting mix: Use a high-quality potting mix that is well-draining.
- Place the celery stalks in the pot: Make sure that the roots are spread out and not bunched up.
- Backfill the pot with potting mix: Firm the soil gently around the celery stalks.
- Water the celery stalks: Water thoroughly to help the roots settle in.
Caring for Your Celery
Once your celery is planted, it’s important to provide it with the right care. Here are some tips:
- Water regularly: Celery needs consistent moisture, so water it deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilize regularly: Celery is a heavy feeder, so fertilize it every two to three weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Mulch around the plants: Mulching helps to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Watch out for pests and diseases: Inspect your celery plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases. If you find any, treat them promptly.
Harvesting Your Celery
You can start harvesting your celery about three months after planting. To harvest, cut the stalk at the base, leaving a small portion of the stalk in the ground. This will encourage the plant to continue producing new stalks.
Wrap Up: From Supermarket to Salad
Growing your own celery from supermarket stalks is a rewarding and cost-effective way to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce. By following these simple steps, you can easily transform your grocery store celery into a thriving garden plant. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you grew your own delicious celery.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Can I grow celery from a stalk that is already starting to wilt?
A: While it’s possible to grow celery from a slightly wilted stalk, the success rate is lower. It’s best to choose firm, crisp stalks for the best results.
Q: What kind of fertilizer should I use for my celery?
A: A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is suitable for celery. You can also use organic fertilizers like compost or manure.
Q: How long does it take for celery to grow from seed?
A: Celery takes about three months to mature from seed to harvest.
Q: Can I grow celery in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow celery in a container. Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter.
Q: Can I use the same celery stalk to grow multiple plants?
A: Yes, you can try to grow multiple plants from a single celery stalk. Simply cut the stalk into several sections, each with a leaf node, and plant them in water or soil. However, the success rate may vary.
