When to plant Celery in Broadwater County, MT
In Zone 5a (Broadwater County), direct-sow Celery between May 6 and May 27 for spring, after the May 20 last-frost mark. A second sowing from July 12 to July 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Celery in Broadwater County, MT
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.
Broadwater County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 123 days.
At an elevation of 7,806 feet, Broadwater County receives approximately 17.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celery to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Celery successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Broadwater County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-8.1
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Broadwater County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celery Planting Timeline — Broadwater County, MT
Celery Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 3 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | August 12 | Aug 12 – Oct 7 |
| Fall Sowing | July 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
123 days in Broadwater County
Growing Tips for Broadwater 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Celery in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Celery in Broadwater County, MT?
Broadwater County is in Zone 5a 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 Broadwater County, MT?
Broadwater County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 20.
When should I plant Celery in Broadwater County, MT?
In Broadwater County, MT, plant Celery after the last frost (around May 20) and before the first frost (around September 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Broadwater County, MT for Celery?
Broadwater County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Celery grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celery grow in Broadwater County's climate?
Yes — Celery grows well in Broadwater County's temperate climate. Broadwater County averages a 123-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 20 and first frost around September 20.
Your Broadwater County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Broadwater County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.