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When to plant Celery in Otter Tail County, MN

Otter Tail County's spring Celery window runs May 4 through May 25. be cautious and check the 10-day forecast before planting tender crops. A second sowing from July 6 to July 20 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Celery in Otter Tail 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.

Otter Tail County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.

At an elevation of 571 feet, Otter Tail County receives approximately 40.3 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.

Otter Tail County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
140 days
Last Spring Frost May 11
140 growing days
First Fall Frost September 28

Otter Tail County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.3-6.8

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 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Celery Planting Timeline — Otter Tail County, MN

Celery Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 13
Transplant Outdoors May 11 May 11 – May 25
Direct Sow May 4 May 4 – May 25
Harvest August 3 Aug 3 – Sep 28
Fall Sowing July 6 Jul 6 – Jul 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
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 4a

📆 Growing Season

140 days in Otter Tail County

Growing Tips for Otter Tail 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 Otter Tail County, MN?

Otter Tail County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Celery planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Otter Tail County, MN?

Otter Tail County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 28.

When should I plant Celery in Otter Tail County, MN?

In Otter Tail County, MN, plant Celery after the last frost (around May 11) and before the first frost (around September 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Otter Tail County, MN for Celery?

Otter Tail 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 Otter Tail County's climate?

Yes — Celery grows well in Otter Tail County's temperate climate. Otter Tail County averages a 140-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around September 28.

🌱

Your Otter Tail County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Otter Tail 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 Otter Tail County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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