What To Know
- This crunchy, versatile vegetable, often found in salads and soups, can be cultivated right in your own backyard or even on a sunny windowsill.
- Place them in the holes, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- To blanch celery, use a cardboard tube or a piece of black plastic to cover the stalks, blocking out sunlight.
Have you ever wondered how to plant celery at home? It’s surprisingly easy and rewarding! This crunchy, versatile vegetable, often found in salads and soups, can be cultivated right in your own backyard or even on a sunny windowsill. Growing your own celery ensures fresh, flavorful stalks and a sense of accomplishment. So, let’s dive into the world of celery cultivation, from seed to harvest.
Choosing the Right Celery Variety
The first step in your celery-growing journey is selecting the right variety. There are two main types of celery:
- Upright Celery: This type has tall, straight stalks and is ideal for salads and raw consumption. Popular varieties include Pascal and Golden Self-Blanching.
- Curled Celery: This type features tightly curled stalks, perfect for soups and stews. Popular varieties include ‘Green Curled’ and ‘Tall Utah’.
Consider your preferred use for the celery when making your choice.
Starting Celery from Seed
Direct Sowing
You can directly sow celery seeds into the garden after the last frost. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
1. Prepare the soil: Dig a shallow trench about 1/4 inch deep and space the seeds 1 inch apart.
2. Sow the seeds: Gently press the seeds into the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
3. Water thoroughly: Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
4. Thin the seedlings: Once the seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them out to 4-6 inches apart.
Starting Celery Indoors
For an earlier harvest, start celery seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
1. Use seed starting trays or pots: Fill them with a seed-starting mix.
2. Sow the seeds: Place 2-3 seeds per cell or pot, cover with a thin layer of soil, and water thoroughly.
3. Provide light and warmth: Place the trays under grow lights or in a sunny window.
4. Thin the seedlings: Once the seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them out to the strongest plant per cell or pot.
Transplanting Celery Seedlings
Once the seedlings have developed 4-6 true leaves and the weather is warm enough, it’s time to transplant them outdoors.
1. Harden off the seedlings: Gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them outside for increasing periods over a week.
2. Prepare the planting site: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Amend the soil with compost or aged manure for added nutrients.
3. Dig planting holes: Make holes about 4-6 inches deep and 12 inches apart.
4. Transplant the seedlings: Gently remove the seedlings from their containers, being careful not to damage the roots. Place them in the holes, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
5. Water thoroughly: Water the transplants deeply to help them establish.
Caring for Your Celery Plants
Once your celery plants are in the ground, proper care is crucial for healthy growth.
Watering
Celery loves moisture, so water deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week.
Fertilizing
Celery is a heavy feeder, so regular fertilization is essential. Use a balanced fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, following the instructions on the package.
Blanching
Blanching is a technique that produces tender, white celery stalks. To blanch celery, use a cardboard tube or a piece of black plastic to cover the stalks, blocking out sunlight. This will prevent chlorophyll production, resulting in white stalks.
Pest and Disease Control
Celery can be susceptible to pests like aphids and slugs. Monitor your plants regularly and take appropriate measures to control infestations.
Harvesting Your Celery
Celery is ready to harvest about 100-120 days after sowing seeds or transplanting.
1. Cut the stalks: Use a sharp knife to cut the stalks at the base.
2. Harvest regularly: Continue harvesting stalks as needed, leaving the outer stalks for later harvesting.
Beyond the Basics: Tips for Success
- Mulch your celery: A layer of mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Protect your celery from frost: Celery is sensitive to frost, so cover it with a frost blanket or row cover during cold nights.
- Consider companion planting: Celery grows well with carrots, onions, and lettuce.
The End of the Journey: What to Do with Your Harvested Celery
With your homegrown celery ready, the possibilities are endless! Enjoy it in salads, soups, stews, or even as a snack. Consider freezing or pickling your celery to preserve its freshness for later use.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Can I grow celery in a pot?
A: Yes, you can grow celery in a pot. Choose a pot at least 12 inches wide and deep. Fill it with a good quality potting mix and water regularly.
Q: How often should I harvest celery?
A: Harvest celery as needed, leaving the outer stalks for later harvesting. You can harvest individual stalks or cut the entire plant at the base.
Q: What are the signs of an unhealthy celery plant?
A: Signs of an unhealthy celery plant include yellowing leaves, wilting stalks, and pests or diseases.
Q: Can I save celery seeds from my harvest?
A: It is possible to save celery seeds, but it is more challenging than saving seeds from other vegetables. The seeds need to be properly dried and stored for optimal germination.
Q: What are some tips for storing celery?
A: To store celery, wrap the base of the stalks in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. This will help to keep them fresh and crisp for up to a week.
Growing your own celery is a rewarding experience that brings fresh, flavorful stalks to your table. With a little effort and care, you can enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own homegrown produce. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your seeds, and embark on your celery-growing adventure!
