How to Grow Celery in Your Garden
March 18, 2023
Celery is a kind of vegetable with a variety of health benefits. It is a low-calorie, low-fat food that is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a good source of antioxidants and may help reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Celery can be eaten raw, steamed, or cooked in a variety of different dishes, making it a versatile ingredient.
Adding celery to your garden is a great way to increase your options when cooking. Not only will you have the opportunity to harvest your own ingredients for soups, salads, and other dishes, but growing celery will provide you with valuable insight into the process of growing a crop from seed. Read on to learn more about growing celery at home.
Choosing the Right Variety
When selecting celery for home growing, research the available varieties in order to choose the one most suitable for your conditions. You can find a variety of celery types, such as short "self-blanching", medium-length "ginger" and the rarer "green celery". Consider the amount of sun and moisture available in your garden in order to make the best decision.
Preparing the Soil
Celery plants are a heavy feeder and require consistent moisture and a rich soil. The soil should be well prepared prior to planting by adding plenty of compost, as well as a slow-release fertilizer and additional composted manure. Ensure that the soil is free of weeds and other debris.
Planting the Seeds
Celery seeds need to be sown in the late winter or early springtime, in order to benefit from the warm, moist weather and the long daylight hours. The seeds should be sown in trays, around 3–4 inches apart, covered in a thin layer of soil, and kept moist. Keep the seed trays in a greenhouse, cold frame, or other protected area in order to provide them with the best conditions for germination.
Caring for the Plants
Once the celery seedlings have grown and are ready to be planted in the garden, take care to space them around 8–10 inches apart. The plants will require constant moisture, so ensure that they’re watered regularly and heavily—especially in warm weather. Additionally, the celery plants will require additional nitrogen-rich fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Harvesting the Celery
Just after the first frost in autumn, the celery plants are ready to be harvested. To prevent harming the roots, the celery should be carefully cut away from the soil with a sharp, clean knife. Don’t tug on the celery stalks as this may damage the crop. If correctly taken care of, the celery can be kept for several months when stored in a refrigerator.
Hopefully this guide has given you an overview of how to grow celery in your garden. If you’re looking for a nutritious addition to your vegetable patch, then this is an excellent crop to try! With a little care and attention, you’ll soon be enjoying fresh and homegrown celery.
