When to plant Celery in Lamar County, MS
Lamar County gardeners should plant Celery between February 20 and March 13 in spring. With Lamar County's Zone 8b climate (last frost March 6), Celery needs 80–120 days to mature — plant by July 24 for a full harvest. A second sowing from September 12 to September 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celery in Lamar County, MS
June in the garden — Lamar County, Mississippi
Your Lamar County, Mississippi garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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Pick celery
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- First harvests: 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.
Lamar County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 260 days.
At an elevation of 62 feet, Lamar County receives approximately 51.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Celery during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Celery, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Celery root diseases.
Lamar County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.4
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 Lamar County
How your county's soil matches Celery's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.4) overlaps with Celery's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Lamar County is excellent for Celery — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Celery.
How to Plant Celery
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Celery
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 24 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 12.
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 | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 5.6" | 4.9" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 5.6" | 4.2" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 5.6" | 3.5" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.6" | 4.2" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 5.6" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 5.6" | 5.4" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 5.6" | 4.2" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 5.6" | 3.7" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 5.6" | 3.4" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lamar 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 — Lamar County, MS
Celery Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 30 | Jan 30 – Feb 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Direct Sow | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 13 |
| Harvest | May 29 | May 29 – Jul 24 |
| Fall Sowing | September 12 | Sep 12 – Sep 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.3"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
260 days in Lamar County
Growing Tips for Celery in Lamar County
Direct sow Celery outdoors after March 06 in Lamar County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Lamar County's clay soil (27% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Celery. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Celery in Lamar County, MS?
Lamar County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Celery planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lamar County, MS?
Lamar County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 21.
When should I plant Celery in Lamar County, MS?
In Lamar County, MS, plant Celery after the last frost (around March 6) and before the first frost (around November 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lamar County, MS for Celery?
Lamar County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Celery grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celery grow in Lamar County's climate?
Yes — Celery grows well in Lamar County's temperate climate. Lamar County averages a 260-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 6 and first frost around November 21.
Your Lamar County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lamar County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.