When to plant Celery in Mohawk, MI
Mohawk gardeners should plant Celery between May 5 and May 26 in spring. With Mohawk's Zone 5b climate (last frost May 19), Celery needs 80–120 days to mature — plant by June 3 for a full harvest. A second sowing from July 23 to August 6 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celery in Mohawk, MI
Your June game plan for Keweenaw County, Michigan
Here's what deserves your attention in Keweenaw County, Michigan this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 5b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Time to start celery inside
These need a head start before your last frost (May 19). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- 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.
Mohawk, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.
At an elevation of 1,035 feet, Keweenaw County receives approximately 40.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celery to ensure they mature before fall.
Mohawk Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.9
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 Mohawk
How your county's soil matches Celery's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.9) is within Celery's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Keweenaw County is excellent for Celery — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Celery will thrive.
How to Plant Celery
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 5.6" | 4.2" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.6" | 4.9" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 5.6" | 5" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 5.6" | 4.7" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 5.6" | 3.7" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 5.6" | 3.2" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Keweenaw 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 — Mohawk, 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 23 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.3"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
135 days in Keweenaw County
Growing Tips for Celery in Mohawk
Direct sow Celery outdoors after May 19 in Keweenaw 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
When should I plant Celery in Mohawk, MI?
In Mohawk, MI, plant Celery after the last frost (around May 19) and before the first frost (around October 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mohawk, MI for Celery?
Mohawk sits in USDA Zone 5b. Celery grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celery grow in Mohawk's climate?
Yes — Celery grows well in Mohawk's temperate climate. Mohawk averages a 135-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 19 and first frost around October 1.
Your Keweenaw County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Keweenaw 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.