When to plant Celery in Benoit, MS
In Zone 8b (Benoit), direct-sow Celery between February 26 and March 19 for spring, after the March 12 last-frost mark. A second sowing from September 2 to September 16 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celery in Benoit, MS
Top priorities for Bolivar County, Mississippi gardeners in June
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Bring in the celery
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- 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.
Benoit, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.
At an elevation of 299 feet, Bolivar County receives approximately 56.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Celery may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.
Benoit Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.6
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 Benoit
How your county's soil matches Celery's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.6) overlaps with Celery's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Bolivar County is excellent for Celery — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). 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 14 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 02.
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 | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 5.6" | 4.6" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 5.6" | 4.1" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 5.6" | 4.7" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.6" | 5.4" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 5.6" | 5.4" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 5.6" | 4.9" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 5.6" | 4" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 5.6" | 4" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 5.6" | 4.8" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bolivar 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 — Benoit, MS
Celery Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Direct Sow | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 19 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jul 30 |
| Fall Sowing | September 2 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| 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
244 days in Bolivar County
Growing Tips for Celery in Benoit
Direct sow Celery outdoors after March 12 in Bolivar County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Bolivar County's clay soil (30% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Celery. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Bolivar County, provide afternoon shade for Celery and water deeply in the morning.
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 Benoit, MS?
In Benoit, MS, plant Celery after the last frost (around March 12) and before the first frost (around November 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Benoit, MS for Celery?
Benoit sits in USDA Zone 8b. Celery grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celery grow in Benoit's climate?
Yes — Celery grows well in Benoit's temperate climate. Benoit averages a 244-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 12 and first frost around November 11.
Your Bolivar County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bolivar 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.