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When to plant Celery in Cook County, MN

Plant Celery in Cook County, when soil hits 50°F — usually May 13. Continue planting through June 3 for the spring crop. A second sowing from July 7 to July 21 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Celery in Cook 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.

Cook County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.

At an elevation of 1,068 feet, Cook County receives approximately 34.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celery to ensure they mature before fall.

Cook County, MN (Zone 3b) Short season
132 days
Last Spring Frost May 20
132 growing days
First Fall Frost September 29

Cook County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7.1

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Celery Planting Timeline — Cook County, MN

Celery Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 8 Apr 8 – Apr 22
Transplant Outdoors May 20 May 20 – Jun 3
Direct Sow May 13 May 13 – Jun 3
Harvest August 12 Aug 12 – Sep 23
Fall Sowing July 7 Jul 7 – Jul 21

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 Direct Sow
July Fall Sowing
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 3b

📆 Growing Season

132 days in Cook County

Growing Tips for Cook 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 Cook County, MN?

Cook County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Celery planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cook County, MN?

Cook County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 29.

When should I plant Celery in Cook County, MN?

In Cook County, MN, plant Celery after the last frost (around May 20) and before the first frost (around September 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Cook County, MN for Celery?

Cook County sits in USDA Zone 3b. Celery grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Celery grow in Cook County's climate?

Yes — Celery grows well in Cook County's temperate climate. Cook County averages a 132-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 20 and first frost around September 29.

🌱

Your Cook County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Cook County (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

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