When to plant Celery in Lemhi County, ID
In Lemhi County, plant Celery in spring between May 26 and June 16, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Lemhi County's last frost averages June 9, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between July 6 and July 20 — roughly 80–120 days before the first frost on September 14.
When to Plant Celery in Lemhi County, ID
Your June game plan for Lemhi County, Idaho
Your garden in Lemhi County, Idaho is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
-
Move celery into the garden
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- Starting indoors: celery
- Fall sowing: 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.
Lemhi County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 9 and the first fall frost is September 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 97 days.
At an elevation of 6,743 feet, Lemhi County receives approximately 12.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celery to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Celery successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Lemhi County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-8.2
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 Lemhi County
How your county's soil matches Celery's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–8.2) is more alkaline than Celery prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Lemhi County is excellent for Celery — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Celery.
How to Plant Celery
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Celery Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 5.6" | 0.8" | 4.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 5.6" | 1.3" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 5.6" | 1.3" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 5.6" | 1.2" | 4.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Lemhi 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 — Lemhi County, ID
Celery Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 9 | Jun 9 – Jun 23 |
| Direct Sow | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 16 |
| Harvest | September 1 | Sep 1 – Oct 27 |
| Fall Sowing | July 6 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.3"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
97 days in Lemhi County
Growing Tips for Celery in Lemhi County
Direct sow Celery outdoors after June 09 in Lemhi County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 97.0-day growing season in Lemhi County is tight for Celery (80.0-120.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Celery in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Lemhi County receives only 13" of rain annually. Celery needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Lemhi County, ID?
Lemhi County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 9. Plan your Celery planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lemhi County, ID?
Lemhi County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 9 and first fall frost is September 14.
When should I plant Celery in Lemhi County, ID?
In Lemhi County, ID, plant Celery after the last frost (around June 9) and before the first frost (around September 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lemhi County, ID for Celery?
Lemhi County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Celery grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celery grow in Lemhi County's climate?
Yes — Celery grows well in Lemhi County's temperate climate. Lemhi County averages a 97-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 9 and first frost around September 14.
Your Lemhi County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lemhi County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.