When to plant Celery in Benton County County,
Plant Celery in Benton County County after April 28; the prime window is April 14–May 5. A second sowing from July 31 to August 14 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celery in Benton County, IA
Your June game plan for Benton County, Iowa
Each item below is timed to Benton County, Iowa's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: celery
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- First harvests: 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.
Benton County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 1,230 feet, Benton County receives approximately 36 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Celery during the growing season.
Benton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
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 Benton County
How your county's soil matches Celery's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.0) overlaps with Celery's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Benton County is excellent for Celery — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Celery will thrive.
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 Jun 11 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 5.6" | 3.6" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 5.6" | 4.4" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.6" | 4.3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 5.6" | 4.4" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 5.6" | 4.1" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 5.6" | 2.7" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 5.6" | 2.9" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Benton 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 — Benton County, IA
Celery Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 5 |
| Harvest | July 21 | Jul 21 – Sep 15 |
| Fall Sowing | July 31 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
164 days in Benton County
Growing Tips for Celery in Benton County
Direct sow Celery outdoors after April 28 in Benton 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 Benton County, IA?
Benton County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Celery planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Benton County, IA?
Benton County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 9.
When should I plant Celery in Benton County, ?
In Benton County, , plant Celery after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Benton County, for Celery?
Benton County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Celery grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celery grow in Benton County's climate?
Yes — Celery grows well in Benton County's temperate climate. Benton County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 9.
Your Benton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Benton County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.