When to plant Celery in Fitzgerald, GA
Plant Celery in Fitzgerald from February 16 to March 9 in spring. Fitzgerald sits in USDA Zone 9a, with last frost around March 9 and first frost on November 15. A second sowing from September 20 to October 4 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celery in Fitzgerald, GA
July to-do list for Ben Hill County, Georgia
Welcome to July in Zone 9a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Collect celery at their peak
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
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.
Fitzgerald, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 251 days.
At an elevation of 261 feet, Ben Hill County receives approximately 56.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°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.
Fitzgerald Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.4
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 | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Ben Hill County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celery Planting Timeline — Fitzgerald, GA
Celery Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Direct Sow | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 9 |
| Harvest | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jul 27 |
| Fall Sowing | September 20 | Sep 20 – Oct 4 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
251 days in Ben Hill County
Growing Tips for Fitzgerald
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
When should I plant Celery in Fitzgerald, GA?
In Fitzgerald, GA, plant Celery after the last frost (around March 9) and before the first frost (around November 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Fitzgerald, GA for Celery?
Fitzgerald sits in USDA Zone 9a. Celery grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celery grow in Fitzgerald's climate?
Yes — Celery grows well in Fitzgerald's temperate climate. Fitzgerald averages a 251-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 9 and first frost around November 15.
Your Ben Hill County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ben Hill County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.