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When to plant Celeriac in Hampden County County,

The best window to plant Celeriac in Hampden County County, is April 16–May 7, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 30; first frost October 17. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Celeriac in Hampden County, MA

Hampden County, Massachusetts Zone 6a June

June in the garden — Hampden County, Massachusetts

Your garden in Hampden County, Massachusetts is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.

Avg. last frost April 30
Avg. first frost October 17
Soil temp (4") 74°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 15.1 hrs
  1. Indoor seed-starting week for celeriac

    These need a head start before your last frost (April 30). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.

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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.

Hampden County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.

At an elevation of 474 feet, Hampden County receives approximately 47.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Celeriac during the growing season.

Hampden County, MA (Zone 6a) Moderate season
170 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
170 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Hampden County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.1-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Celeriac Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (28 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 21 Transplant: Apr 25 🍅 Harvest: Aug 8 – Sep 12
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (30 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 26 Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Aug 13 – Sep 17
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (27 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 12 Transplant: May 17 🍅 Harvest: Aug 30 – Oct 4

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 Hampden County

How your county's soil matches Celeriac's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.1–6.4) is more acidic than Celeriac prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Hampden County is excellent for Celeriac — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (3.7%). Annual compost additions will help Celeriac.

How to Plant Celeriac

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Celeriac Water Budget

Plant needs
0.9″/week
Rainfall provides
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

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 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.9" 3.4" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
May 3.9" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 3.9" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 3.9" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 3.9" 4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 3.9" 3.4" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 3.9" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Hampden 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 needs ~1,760 GDD — county provides 2,720 GDD Excellent fit

Celeriac Planting Timeline — Hampden County, MA

Celeriac Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 9
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 – May 14
Direct Sow April 16 Apr 16 – May 7
Harvest August 13 Aug 13 – Sep 17
Fall Sowing August 8 Aug 8 – Aug 22

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Harvest
October
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

170 days in Hampden County

Growing Tips for Celeriac in Hampden County

Direct sow Celeriac outdoors after April 30 in Hampden 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

  • Carrots
  • Parsnip

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Celeriac in Hampden County, MA?

Hampden County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Celeriac planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hampden County, MA?

Hampden County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Celeriac in Hampden County, ?

In Hampden County, , plant Celeriac after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hampden County, for Celeriac?

Hampden County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Celeriac grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Celeriac grow in Hampden County's climate?

Yes — Celeriac grows well in Hampden County's temperate climate. Hampden County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Hampden County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hampden County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Hampden County, MA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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