When to Plant Celeriac in Oxford County, ME
Top priorities for Oxford County, Maine gardeners in May
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Oxford County, Maine.
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Transplant celeriac outside
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
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Sow celeriac where they'll grow
Mark the row. Birds and stray feet both have opinions about unmarked beds.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- Starting indoors: celeriac
Celeriac is a celery relative grown for its knobby, flavorful root rather than its stalks. It has a rich celery flavor and is excellent roasted, mashed, or in soups.
Oxford County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 16 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 136 days.
At an elevation of 186 feet, Oxford County receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celeriac to ensure they mature before fall.
Oxford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Oxford County
How your county's soil matches Celeriac's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.4) is more acidic than Celeriac prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Oxford County is excellent for Celeriac — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Celeriac.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help Celeriac.
How to Plant Celeriac
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Celeriac
Celeriac needs approximately 0.9 inches of water per week (3.9" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Celeriac Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.3" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Oxford County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celeriac 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.
Celeriac Planting Timeline — Oxford County, ME
Celeriac Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 16 | May 16 – May 30 |
| Direct Sow | May 2 | May 2 – May 23 |
| Harvest | August 29 | Aug 29 – Oct 3 |
| Fall Sowing | July 21 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
100–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
136 days in Oxford County
Growing Tips for Celeriac in Oxford County
Direct sow Celeriac outdoors after May 16 in Oxford County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Celeriac 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. Remove side roots as they develop to encourage a single large bulb. Harvest after a light frost for best flavor.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Celeriac in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Celeriac in Oxford County, ME?
Oxford County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 16. Plan your Celeriac planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Oxford County, ME?
Oxford County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 16 and first fall frost is September 29.
Your Oxford County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Oxford 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.