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When to Plant Celery in Henry County, AL

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.

Henry County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 253 days.

At an elevation of 195 feet, Henry County receives approximately 61.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91Β°F, providing good warmth for Celery during the growing season. 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.

Henry County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
253 days
Last Spring Frost March 9
253 growing days
First Fall Frost November 17

Henry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Celery

Celery needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Celery Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 5.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 6.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 5.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Dec β€” 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Henry County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Celery Planting Timeline β€” Henry County, AL

Celery Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 2 Feb 2 – Feb 16
Transplant Outdoors March 9 Mar 9 – Mar 23
Direct Sow February 23 Feb 23 – Mar 16
Harvest June 1 Jun 1 – Jul 27
Fall Sowing September 8 Sep 8 – Sep 22

Plant 1" deep Β· 15" apart Β· Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April β€”
May β€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August β€”
September Fall Sowing
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

High β€” keep soil consistently moist

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

80–120 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

253 days in Henry County

Growing Tips for Henry County

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

  • Carrots
  • Parsnip

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Celery in Henry County, AL?

Henry County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Celery planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Henry County, AL?

Henry County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 17.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Henry County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Henry County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.