The “Forgotten” Vegetable that You Should Be Growing This Fall!

An article by Travis Key from Lazy Dog Farm

Celery is often overlooked in the home garden, but it deserves a prominent spot, especially in the fall garden. With its crisp texture, versatile culinary uses, and numerous health benefits, celery can be a rewarding and productive addition to your fall garden. Here’s why you should consider growing celery this fall and how to make it thrive in your garden.

1. Celery Thrives in Cooler Temperatures

Fall is an ideal time for growing celery, as it prefers cooler temperatures. Celery struggles in the intense heat of summer, often becoming bitter or bolting (going to seed) if temperatures rise too high. The cooler days of fall provide the perfect conditions for celery to grow slowly and steadily, resulting in crisp, sweet stalks. The plant does best when daytime temperatures range between 55°F and 70°F (13°C to 21°C), making the fall season perfect for its cultivation.

2. Long Growing Season Suits Fall Timing

Celery is a slow-growing vegetable, typically taking between 85 to 120 days from transplant to harvest. This long growing season aligns well with fall gardening because you can start celery indoors in late spring or early summer and then transplant it outdoors as the temperatures begin to drop. Starting celery indoors allows you to give it a head start, ensuring that it has time to mature before the first frost. In many regions, the mild days of late summer and early fall provide a perfect window for transplanting celery seedlings.

3. Nutrient-Rich and Low in Calories

One of the most compelling reasons to grow celery is its nutritional profile. Celery is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins K, C, and A, as well as folate and potassium. It’s also high in fiber, which promotes digestive health, and contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation in the body. Despite being low in calories—only about 10 calories per stalk—celery is filling and hydrating, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight.

4. Versatility in the Kitchen

Celery is an incredibly versatile vegetable that can be used in a wide range of dishes. Its crisp texture and mild flavor make it a great addition to salads, soups, and stews. In fact, celery is often a key ingredient in classic fall comfort foods, such as stuffing, pot roasts, and casseroles. It can also be juiced for a refreshing drink or used as a low-calorie snack with dips like hummus or peanut butter. Growing your own celery allows you to enjoy it fresh from the garden, where it will have the best flavor and texture.

5. Attractive Garden Addition

Beyond its culinary uses, celery can be a beautiful addition to your fall garden. Its tall, slender stalks and feathery leaves add height and texture to garden beds, making it an attractive companion to other fall crops like kale, cabbage, and carrots. Celery can be grown in rows or as part of a mixed garden bed, where it complements other plants aesthetically and functionally.

Tips for Growing Celery Successfully

Celery is one of the more difficult vegetables to grow from seed. If you’re an experienced seed starter, feel free to try growing your own celery plants. Just know that celery seeds can take a long time to germinate, and the transplants are fragile in the beginning. It often takes 10-12 weeks to grow a viable celery transplant from seed.

Because most families will only need a few celery plants in their fall garden, I recommend purchasing celery plants from a local nursery. Two or three celery plants won’t break the bank, and you won’t have to struggle with the patience it requires to grow your own celery plants.

Celery thrives in rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Celery requires consistent moisture to grow well. Water regularly, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

Celery is a heavy feeder, so provide regular fertilization throughout the growing season. Give each plant a healthy dose of AgroThrive General Purpose Fertilizer every 2-3 weeks for best results. Add 2-4 ounces per gallon water and pour alongside the celery plants.

Celery is typically harvested when the stalks reach about 12 inches in height, which usually occurs in late fall. Cut the entire plant at the base, or harvest individual stalks as needed. Celery can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks, or you can chop and freeze it for later use in cooked dishes.

You’ll Be Glad You Did!

Celery is a valuable addition to any fall garden, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Its preference for cooler weather, nutritional value, and versatility in the kitchen make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to extend their growing season. With a bit of care and attention, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown celery throughout the fall and into the early winter months. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, growing celery this fall can be a rewarding experience that adds flavor and nutrition to your table.

Thousands of gardeners have been tuning in to The Lazy Dog Farm YouTube channel where Travis covers a variety topics ranging from how to successfully start seedlings to how to make a flavorful hot sauce that packs a punch. Accompanied by his wife Brooklyn and their two boys, the gardens on their 2 acre homestead in southwest Georgia are always filled with a wide variety of vegetables that are enjoyed fresh or preserved for later.