How to Raise Celery

Prepare the planting area ahead of time by spading or tilling the soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches. Work 2 to 4 inches of compost, decomposed manure or other organic matter into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil. Dig in a dry, 16-16-8 fertilizer at a rate of 2 pounds for each 100 square feet of planting space. Celery grows best in a location in bright light but away from direct sunlight.

Purchase celery starts from a garden center or nursery. Look for starts measuring about 4 to 6 inches in height with three to four leaves. Plant the starts in rows spaced 18 to 36 inches apart, with 6 to 12 inches between each plant.

Water the plants immediately, providing enough water to soak the soil to a depth of about 6 inches. Thereafter, provide 1 to 2 inches of water every week unless it has rained sufficiently. Always water deeply, because dry soil causes stress that results in bitter, stringy celery.

Spread 3 to 4 inches of mulch, such as straw or shredded bark, around the celery when the plants are 6 inches tall; mulch keeps the roots cool and moist. Mulch also suppresses weeds that compete with the celery for available soil moisture and nutrients.

Cover the seedlings with hot caps or another protective cover in cold weather. Although celery tolerates light frost, an extended period with daytime temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures below 40 degrees may cause the plant to go to seed early.

Side dress the celery with a 5-10-10 fertilizer at two months, and again at about three months. To side dress, make a shallow furrow about 3 to 4 inches from each plant. Sprinkle the fertilizer in the furrow at a rate of 1 tablespoon for each plant.

Harvest celery when the plants are at least 3 inches in diameter and the outer leaves measure at least 12 inches. Pull the entire plant, or remove the outer stalks and allow the center to mature.