When to plant Celery in Lee County, AR
Plant Celery in Lee County, when soil hits 50°F — usually March 5. Continue planting through March 26 for the spring crop. A second sowing from August 31 to September 14 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celery in Lee County, AR
Lee County, Arkansas gardeners: here's your June plan
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Lee County, Arkansas.
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Bring in the celery
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
July prep starts now
- First harvests: celery
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, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.
At an elevation of 1,408 feet, Lee County receives approximately 46.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Celery during the growing season.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Celery 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 (5.6–6.8) overlaps with Celery's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lee County is excellent for Celery — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). 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 Jul 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 31.
Celery 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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 5.6" | 4.3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 5.6" | 3.2" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 5.6" | 3.9" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.6" | 3.7" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 5.6" | 5" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 5.6" | 4.5" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 5.6" | 3.6" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 5.6" | 2.9" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 5.6" | 3.8" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–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, AR
Celery Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Direct Sow | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 26 |
| Harvest | June 11 | Jun 11 – Aug 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 31 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
235 days in Lee County
Growing Tips for Celery in Lee County
Direct sow Celery outdoors after March 19 in Lee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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, AR?
Lee County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Celery planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lee County, AR?
Lee County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 9.
When should I plant Celery in Lee County, AR?
In Lee County, AR, plant Celery after the last frost (around March 19) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lee County, AR for Celery?
Lee County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Celery grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celery grow in Lee County's climate?
Yes — Celery grows well in Lee County's temperate climate. Lee County averages a 235-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 19 and first frost around November 9.
Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.