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When to plant Celery in Alpena County, MI

For Celery in Alpena County, the safe spring window opens around May 5 and closes around May 26. Last expected frost is May 19, first fall frost October 3, giving a 137-day growing season. A second sowing from July 25 to August 8 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Celery in Alpena County, MI

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.

Alpena County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.

At an elevation of 984 feet, Alpena County receives approximately 31.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Celery during the growing season.

Alpena County, MI (Zone 5a) Short season
137 days
Last Spring Frost May 19
137 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Alpena County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Celery Planting Timeline — Alpena County, MI

Celery Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 14 Apr 14 – Apr 28
Transplant Outdoors May 19 May 19 – Jun 2
Direct Sow May 5 May 5 – May 26
Harvest August 11 Aug 11 – Oct 6
Fall Sowing July 25 Jul 25 – Aug 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors
July Fall Sowing
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

137 days in Alpena County

Growing Tips for Alpena County

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

  • Carrots
  • Parsnip

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Celery in Alpena County, MI?

Alpena County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Celery planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Alpena County, MI?

Alpena County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is October 3.

When should I plant Celery in Alpena County, MI?

In Alpena County, MI, plant Celery after the last frost (around May 19) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Alpena County, MI for Celery?

Alpena 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 Alpena County's climate?

Yes — Celery grows well in Alpena County's temperate climate. Alpena County averages a 137-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 19 and first frost around October 3.

🌱

Your Alpena County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Alpena 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.

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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 Alpena County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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