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When to plant Celery in Benton County, MN

Benton County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Plant Celery between April 25 (after last frost on May 2) and May 16. A second sowing from July 14 to July 28 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Celery in Benton County, MN

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, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.

At an elevation of 1,178 feet, Benton County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celery to ensure they mature before fall.

Benton County, MN (Zone 4a) Moderate season
157 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
157 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Benton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Celery

Celery needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Celery Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Benton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Celery Planting Timeline — Benton County, MN

Celery Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 21 Mar 21 – Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Direct Sow April 25 Apr 25 – May 16
Harvest July 25 Jul 25 – Sep 19
Fall Sowing July 14 Jul 14 – Jul 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
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 4a

📆 Growing Season

157 days in Benton County

Growing Tips for Benton 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 Benton County, MN?

Benton County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Celery planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Benton County, MN?

Benton County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 6.

When should I plant Celery in Benton County, MN?

In Benton County, MN, plant Celery after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Benton County, MN for Celery?

Benton County sits in USDA Zone 4a. 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 157-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 6.

🌱

Your Benton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Benton County (Zone 4a). 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 Benton County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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