When to Plant Celery in Lee County, TX
Celery is a marshland plant that requires consistent moisture and cool temperatures to produce crisp, flavorful stalks. It is a rewarding but demanding garden crop.
Lee County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 28 and the first fall frost is November 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 275 days.
At an elevation of 1,174 feet, Lee County receives approximately 59.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Celery may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Celery, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Celery root diseases.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
7.1-8.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Lee County
How your county's soil matches Celery's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.1–8.2) is more alkaline than Celery prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Your clay soil in Lee County is workable for Celery. Add compost annually to improve structure.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Celery.
How to Plant Celery
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Celery
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 21.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Celery
Celery needs approximately 1.3 inches of water per week (5.6" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Celery Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 5.6" | 1.8" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 5.6" | 4.3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 5.6" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 5.6" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 5.6" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 5.6" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 5.6" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 5.6" | 5.2" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 5.6" | 3.4" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 5.6" | 1.8" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Lee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celery Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Celery Planting Timeline — Lee County, TX
Celery Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 24 | Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Direct Sow | February 14 | Feb 14 – Mar 7 |
| Harvest | May 23 | May 23 – Jul 18 |
| Fall Sowing | September 21 | Sep 21 – Oct 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.3"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
275 days in Lee County
Growing Tips for Celery in Lee County
Direct sow Celery outdoors after February 28 in Lee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Lee County's clay soil (37% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Celery. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Lee County, provide afternoon shade for Celery and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Celery in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost. Keep soil consistently moist and never let it dry out. Blanch stalks by mounding soil or using collars for milder flavor.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Celery in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Celery in Lee County, TX?
Lee County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of February 28. Plan your Celery planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lee County, TX?
Lee County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 28 and first fall frost is November 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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