Celery Sprouting Eln Green

Climate

Temperature:

• Celery prefers cooler temperatures ranging between 15°C to 20°C.
• It can be grown in more temperate climates, but extreme heat can lead to a bitter taste and flower bolting.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

• Celery thrives in loamy, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
• The soil should have good moisture retention while avoiding heavy clay or sandy soils.

pH Level:

• Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
• You can test your soil using a pH kit and amend it with lime (to raise pH) or sulphur (to lower pH) as needed.

Amendments:

• Prior to planting, incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to enhance soil fertility, which helps with moisture retention and increases nutrient availability.

Propagation

Starting Indoors:

• Sow seeds indoors in seed trays about 10-12 weeks before the last frost date. Cover lightly with soil as the seeds require light to germinate
• Germination usually takes 14-21 days. Keep the soil moist but not soggy during this period.

Direct Sowing:

• In regions with milder winter conditions, you can directly sow seeds into the garden bed after mid-spring or in late summer for a late crop.
• Thin seedlings to about 10-15 cm apart.

Transplanting:

• When seedlings are 15-20 cm tall and have at least 4 leaf sets, they can be transplanted outdoors.
• Space them 30 cm apart to allow for growth.

Cultivation

Watering:

• Celery has a high-water requirement, needing about 2.5 cm of water per week.
• Regular watering is vital, especially during dry periods.
• Consider using drip irrigation to maintain consistent moisture at the root level.
• Mulching around the plants can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilisation:

Pre-Planting:

• Mix a balanced fertiliser or compost into the garden bed before planting.

During Growth:

• Fertilise every 4-6 weeks with a high-nitrogen fertiliser or a liquid seaweed solution to support leaf growth.
• Follow package instructions to avoid over-fertilisation.

Companion Planting

Onions:

• Benefits: Onions emit sulphur compounds that can deter common pests such as aphids and carrot flies, which may attack celery.
• Tip: Space onions a moderate distance apart from celery to avoid competition for nutrients.

Leeks:

• Benefits: Similar to onions, leeks also repel pests while offering little competition for space and nutrients.
• Tip: Plant leeks beside celery to create natural pest barriers.

Spinach:

• Benefits: Spinach and celery make good companions because spinach matures quickly, allowing celery to benefit from the extra shade as it grows.
• Tip: Sowing spinach between celery rows can create a microclimate that may help with moisture retention.

Tomatoes:

• Benefits: Tomatoes can provide some shade for celery during the hotter months, and their root systems can help aerate the soil.
• Tip: Be cautious of overcrowding; allow adequate spacing between plants for air circulation.

Pepper:

• Benefits: Peppers can deter aphids and other pests, complementing celery’s growth habits.
• Tip: Ensure both plants receive enough sunlight and water, as peppers require warmer conditions.

Carrots:

• Benefits: Carrots and celery have different root depths, reducing competition for nutrients in the soil. They also help aerate the soil together.
• Tip: Directly sow carrots in the same bed, allowing them to stay at least 10 cm apart.

Plants to Avoid:

Potatoes:

• Reason: Potatoes can compete with celery for nutrients, which may inhibit celery’s growth and development.

Dill:

• Reason: While dill can attract beneficial insects, it may also attract pests that are detrimental to celery.

Fennel

• Reason: Fennel produces allelopathic compounds that can inhibit the growth of celery and other nearby plants.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests:

• Watch for aphids, spider mites, and cutworms. Use insecticidal soap or organic pest controls as necessary.

Diseases:

• Celery can be prone to fungal diseases such as leaf blight or root rot.
• To prevent these, ensure proper spacing for air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and rotate crops each year to minimize soil-borne diseases.

Care and Maintenance

Weeding:

• Regularly check for and remove weeds which compete for nutrients and moisture.
• Hand-pulling is often recommended to avoid disturbing celery roots.

Mulching:

• Apply mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Harvesting

• Harvesting typically occurs 3-4 months after planting. Celery is ready to be picked when the stalks are at least 1 cm thick, and the plants are around 30-40 cm tall.
• For the best flavour, harvest in the morning when temperatures are cooler.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the stalks from the base, or you can harvest the entire plant by cutting it at the soil line.

Storage

• Fresh celery can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To preserve its crunch, wrap it in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag.

Common Challenges

Bolting:

• This happens when celery tries to flower and can be prompted by stress from heat or drought.
• To prevent bolting, provide adequate water and plant during cooler months.

Bitter Flavour:

• A lack of water or nutrient imbalance can lead to bitterness. Consistent care is essential to maintain flavour.